Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

Climate Action Plan — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This engaging Grade 6-8 science reading passage introduces students to the concept of climate action plans, explaining how communities and governments create strategies to fight climate change. Aligned with NGSS standards, the passage breaks down key vocabulary like greenhouse gases, renewable energy, and carbon footprint using clear definitions and real-world examples. Students will learn how climate action plans can reduce pollution, improve sustainability, and make a difference locally and globally. The passage also includes a Spanish translation, a glossary, a multiple-choice comprehension quiz, and writing activities that encourage scientific thinking and real-life connections. This resource supports audio integration and is perfect for classrooms focusing on environmental science, climate education, or reading comprehension in science.

CONTENT PREVIEW

climate-action-image — A climate action plan is a document with strategies to fight climate change.

A climate action plan is a set of steps or strategies that a community, city, or country uses to fight climate change. Climate change happens when the Earth’s average temperature increases, mostly because of pollution from human activities. To help slow down climate change, climate action plans focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These gases, like carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and make the planet warmer.

One important part of a climate action plan is measuring the carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released by a person, organization, or activity. For example, driving cars that use gasoline, using electricity from coal, and throwing away lots of trash all add to a carbon footprint.

Climate action plans usually have goals to reduce these emissions. This can be done by saving energy, using less fossil fuels like coal and oil, and switching to renewable energy sources. Renewable energy comes from sources that won’t run out, like solar power from the sun and wind power from wind turbines. Many cities are installing solar panels on buildings and using wind turbines to make clean electricity.

Another goal is to help people and nature adjust to changes that are already happening. This is called adaptation. For example, planting more trees in cities can provide shade and help cool the air. Cities might also build stronger flood barriers or improve drainage systems to protect against extreme weather caused by climate change.

Climate action plans often encourage people to change their daily habits. This might include recycling, walking or biking instead of driving, and using less electricity at home. Schools, businesses, and governments can work together to create rules and programs that make these changes easier for everyone.

Some real-world examples of climate action plans are New York City’s “OneNYC” and Los Angeles’ “Green New Deal.” These plans set goals to reduce pollution, use more clean energy, and protect people from the effects of climate change. Many other cities around the world have similar plans to help make the Earth a healthier place for future generations.

Interesting Fact: Trees can absorb carbon dioxide, one of the main greenhouse gases, making forests an important natural way to fight climate change!

What is a climate action plan?

A set of steps to fight climate changeA type of weather forecastA way to plant treesA method to build cities

What does a carbon footprint measure?

Greenhouse gases releasedNumber of trees plantedElectricity made by windAmount of rainfall

Which is a renewable energy source?

Solar powerCoalOilNatural gas

How can people reduce emissions?

Use less electricityDrive moreWaste more waterCut down trees

Why are trees important in climate plans?

Absorb carbon dioxideProduce fossil fuelsTrap more heatCause pollution

What is adaptation?

Adjusting to climate changesBurning more fossil fuelsMaking more trashIncreasing emissions