Lesson 1 Objective

At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• define temperature;
• describe the effect of temperature in your daily life;
• describe the comfortable environmental temperature for human beings;
• explain some safety precautions of extreme temperature.
• describe the average change in global temperature;
• explain the major effects of higher temperature in our community and
  environment;
• list the causes for the temperature increment in our environment;

Brainstorming Question

What is extreme temperature? Which temperature is comfortable for human beings?

key terms and concepts

• Temperature is the degree of hotness or coldness of a body.
• Greenhouse gases are the causes for global warmings.
•  Higher temperature affects agriculture, energy, water supply, health, and ecosystems.
• Greenhouse gases are: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.

Temperature and Our Life

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, and it plays a crucial role in everyday life. Human perception of temperature is relative, and what feels hot or cold can vary based on previous experiences. Room temperature, generally comfortable for humans, is between 18°C and 22°C. Temperature significantly impacts various aspects of human life, including clothing, diet, health, and even economic activities.

Extreme Temperature Safety

• Body Temperature Regulation: The human body maintains a stable internal temperature around 37°C (98.6°F). To function optimally, the surrounding environment ideally should be around 28°C. However, actual environmental temperatures often vary, sometimes reaching extremes.
• Health Risks from High Temperatures: Exposure to high temperatures can be dangerous. At temperatures between 32°C and 40°C (90°F and 105°F), the risk of heat cramps and exhaustion increases. Temperatures above 40°C can lead to more severe conditions, like heat stroke, especially if the temperature exceeds 54°C (130°F). These conditions necessitate limiting physical activities and staying hydrated.

Temperature Change and Its Effects

• Global Warming: Over the past century, the average global temperature has risen by about 0.8°C (1.4°F), primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels. This increase is part of a broader trend of global warming, driven by the greenhouse effect—where gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the planet.
• Consequences of Rising Temperatures: If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, global temperatures could rise by 4°C to 12°F in the coming decades. This warming leads to more frequent and intense heat waves, affecting human health and potentially causing heat-related illnesses and deaths.
• Broader Environmental Impacts: Rising temperatures affect more than just the weather. They influence ocean temperatures, weather patterns, and the melting of snow and ice. These changes, in turn, affect ecosystems, leading to shifts in plant and animal behavior, and potentially threatening biodiversity. The impact on agriculture, water resources, and human habitats could be profound, making it imperative to address global warming through changes in energy consumption and environmental policies.