English oral

In this oral , I was asked to choose a topic related to the environment.

I chose climate change. I chose this topic because, unfortunately, the
climate is changing and the consequences are becoming more and more
visible.
Climate change is one of the most urgent and significant challenges facing
humanity today. It is an issue of great global importance, affecting every
aspect of life on the planet.
It affects the environment, the economy, public health and food security.
The decisions we take on climate today will also have a significant impact
on future generations.

Climate change is characterised by significant changes in the Earth's

climate that persist over long periods of time, typically decades or
more. These changes can include changes in average temperatures,
precipitation, wind patterns and the frequency of extreme weather
events such as storms, droughts and floods.
The causes of climate change can be man-made or natural. However,
the climate change we are currently experiencing is largely due to
human activities. The climate is changing because of the way people
live today, especially in the wealthier and more economically
developed countries, which include those in the European Union.
The main cause of climate change is the increase in greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions.
The main greenhouse gases are: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous
oxide and fluorinated gases.
These gases form a kind of 'blanket' in the atmosphere, trapping heat and
preventing gases from escaping back into space.
CO2 is the main culprit, with atmospheric concentrations expected to be
48 per cent above pre-industrial levels by 2020.
Without human intervention, the natural greenhouse effect would keep the
average temperature of the planet at around -18°C.
The main human activity that increases greenhouse gas emissions is the
burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas (for energy
production).
 English oral

Industry and transport are also sources of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon
dioxide (CO₂).Deforestation is estimated to be responsible for around 20% of global
greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in tropical areas such as the Amazon.Deforestation
reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. In addition, when
trees are felled or burned, the carbon stored in them is released in the form of carbon dioxide.
The loss of forests also affects other natural processes that help regulate the climate, such as
evaporation and the maintenance of rainfall patterns. The main causes of deforestation are
related to the expansion of agriculture, livestock farming, mining and urbanisation.

In intensive agriculture, livestock, especially cattle, emit large amounts of methane through
their digestive processes. Methane has 86 times the global warming potential of CO2 over a
20-year period. The decomposition of organic matter in flooded rice fields also releases
methane.

Industry, including the production of cement, steel, paper and chemicals, is a major source of
greenhouse gases.

The decomposition of organic waste from cities and industrial areas in landfills releases
methane, and uncontrolled incineration releases CO2 and other toxic gases directly into the
atmosphere.

The consequences of climate change are vast and interconnected, affecting not only the
environment but also society and the global economy. From increased frequency of extreme
weather events to threats to food security, the impacts are profound and far-reaching. Here
we explore some of the key consequences of this environmental crisis.

One of the consequences is the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. Rising global
temperatures have accelerated the melting of polar ice caps (particularly in Antarctica and the
Arctic) and glaciers in various parts of the world. This leads to the release of large amounts of
freshwater into the oceans, affecting biodiversity. This will lead to a rise in average sea levels.
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As we can see, this bear has lost its habitat through no fault of its own. Like this bear, climate
change is leading to species extinction and a reduction in biodiversity due to the loss of
habitats and marine ecosystems..

In the last century, sea levels have already risen by 10 to 25 cm , and it is predicted that this
rise could reach 88 cm by 2100. Islands and low-lying coastal areas such as the Maldives, the
Nile Delta in Egypt and Bangladesh would be inundated. One of the most serious
consequences of sea-level rise is coastal flooding. Many coastal towns and communities are
threatened by rising sea levels, which can lead to loss of land, destruction of infrastructure and
displacement of populations. Coastal erosion causes tides to rise, affecting ecosystems and
human activities.

Another consequence is an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms.

Global
warming is
increasing the
frequency and
intensity of
extreme
weather
events such as
hurricanes,
cyclones and
 English oral
tropical storms. A hurricane is a type of cyclone characterised by swirling air movements.
Cyclones are low-pressure centres that cause air movement and result in large storms
accompanied by strong, destructive winds.

Cyclone causing destruction

These events can cause widespread destruction, including: the destruction of

infrastructure: damage to buildings, bridges and transport systems, and material
damage. There are also direct human casualties due to the impact of storms or
secondary disasters such as landslides and floods.

Severe and prolonged droughts due to climate change are also a problem in many
regions, affecting the availability of drinking water and agricultural production.
Droughts can also exacerbate forest fires, particularly in areas such as the
Mediterranean, North America and Australia.

On the other hand, rising temperatures also lead to more intense rainfall and flooding in
some regions. Heavy rainfall and storms can overwhelm the capacity of drainage
systems, flooding cities and agricultural areas. In addition, in some regions, increased
rainfall can degrade water quality, making it unfit for human consumption.

Increased air pollution, exacerbated by extreme weather events, can exacerbate

respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. In addition, forest fires and air
pollution contribute to an increase in respiratory problems in affected areas.

Climate change has major social and economic consequences, which we'll get to in a
moment.
 English oral
Rising sea levels, floods, droughts and extreme weather events are forcing many people
to leave their homes, creating a growing number of climate refugees. This can put
pressure on infrastructure and services in the regions hosting these migrants.

Climate change has the potential to severely disrupt global economies, particularly those
dependent on agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Natural disasters, such as the
hurricanes, droughts and fires mentioned above, are costly in terms of reconstruction
and humanitarian aid.

This leads to the conclusion that it is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in
the atmosphere. Some greenhouse gases are long-lived, remaining in the atmosphere for
decades or even longer. Even if strong action is taken now, temperatures will continue
to rise for some time. But if nothing is done, temperatures will continue to rise and
sooner or later the situation will become unmanageable.

Globally, governments have a crucial role to play in implementing effective policies

such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy and
promoting international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. Cooperation between
countries, especially between developing and developed countries, is essential to
achieve a more sustainable future. Adapting to the changes already underway and
mitigating their effects will also require significant investment in infrastructure and
technological innovation.

On the other hand, individual action is also essential. Everyone has a role to play,
whether it is choosing a more sustainable lifestyle or reducing consumption of natural
resources. Adopting habits such as using public transport, reducing food waste,
choosing products with a lower environmental impact and consuming consciously can
make a real difference, especially when multiplied by millions of citizens.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, with profound and far-
reaching environmental, economic and social impacts.

By combining global action with individual commitment, we can work together to

protect the planet and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Now I'll leave you with two questions to reflect on climate change.

“The Earth cannot wait. If we don't change our attitudes, what will be left for future
generations?”

“How many more signs do we need before we realize that the planet is crying out for
help?”