Some of this heat is radiated back out into space. CO2 in the atmosphere traps some of this heat energy on the Earth, thus contributing to global warming. This theory has not been proven, but if the burning of fossil fuels does contribute to global warming, the results could be catastrophic. If the temperature rose high enough, the glaciers and ice caps could melt raising the level of the oceans and flooding coastal cities like New York, Miami, New Orleans, and Venice. Some people would like to prevent the pollution that the use of petroleum products can cause by doing without petroleum altogether.
Procedures Discuss with the students the uses of petroleum products.
Bring examples to the classroom, or ask the students to bring examples. Be sure that all of the students understand how widespread petroleum products are in our society. Discuss pollution related to the use of petroleum. Guide the students to an understanding that the use of petroleum has environmental consequences. Ask the students to draw in the second house non-petroleum replacements for the missing items.