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Climate Refugees — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging science passage for grades 6-8 introduces students to the topic of climate refugees and human migration. Aligned with NGSS standards, it explains how environmental changes like droughts, floods, and rising sea levels force people to leave their homes, making them climate refugees. The passage defines key terms such as migration, climate change, and adaptation, and provides real-world examples, including Pacific Island nations and drought-affected regions in Africa. Students will learn about the science behind climate change, how it impacts human populations, and the global response to this growing challenge. The resource includes a glossary, Spanish translation, multiple-choice quiz, and writing prompts that develop critical thinking. Audio integration supports diverse learners, making this passage an excellent tool for classrooms exploring human impacts on Earth systems and the interconnectedness of environmental science and society.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Cyclone Aila Climate Change Nijhum Dwip 2009 Dec Bangladesh.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Mayeenul Islam

Climate change is causing big changes on our planet. Sometimes, these changes make it difficult for people to live in their homes. When people are forced to leave their homes because of changes in the environment, they are called climate refugees.

Climate change means long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns on Earth. It is often caused by too many greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, being released from cars, factories, and power plants. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which makes the planet warmer.

As the climate changes, some places get too hot, too dry, or too wet. For example, rising sea levels can flood homes near the coast. Droughts can dry up farmland, making it hard to grow food. Hurricanes and wildfires, which are getting stronger because of climate change, can destroy houses and force people to move.

When people move to find safer places to live, it is called migration. Migration can happen within a country or between countries. Climate refugees often face many challenges, such as finding new homes, jobs, and schools. They may also have to learn new languages or adapt to different cultures.

One example of climate refugees is people from Pacific Island nations. Rising sea levels are threatening to cover their islands, so some families have already moved to countries like New Zealand and Australia. In Africa, some farmers have left their homes because droughts have made it impossible to grow crops.

Scientists and governments are working together to help climate refugees. They are studying how to reduce greenhouse gases to slow down climate change. They also look for ways to help people adapt, such as building sea walls or creating drought-resistant crops. Adaptation means changing the way we live to cope with new environmental conditions.

It is important to understand that climate change does not affect everyone equally. Poorer countries and small island nations are often at greater risk because they have fewer resources to protect themselves. By learning about climate refugees, we can better understand how humans and the environment are connected.

Interesting Fact: Some scientists estimate that by 2050, there could be over 200 million climate refugees around the world.

What is a climate refugee?

Someone forced to move by climate changeA person seeking adventureA farmer who plants new cropsSomeone who moves for fun

What causes climate change?

Greenhouse gasesFreshwater lakesWind powerPlanting trees

Which event can cause migration?

Flooding homesBuilding new parksSunny daysLearning a language

Why are Pacific Islanders moving?

Rising sea levelsMore fishMore rainCooler weather

How can people adapt to climate change?

Build sea wallsIgnore weatherCut more treesStop farming

Why are some countries at greater risk?