Grade level: 3 – 5th

Skills:  Subtraction (4 digits)

Related environmental issues:  Climate Change

Area level: Global

In 2015, at the global meeting called COP, all nations in the world first in our history agreed to limit global warming to less than 2 degrees Celsius (°C) compared to pre-industrial levels to protect our earth. COP meeting is an annual meeting of all nations to talk about climate change. The table shows where and when the COP meetings were held.

1. At the COP in Kyoto, Japan, some countries decided to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. At the COP in Montreal, Canada, those countries renew their promises. How many years are there between those two COPs?
2. At the COP in Copenhagen, Denmark, it was suggested to limit the global average temperature increase to no more than 2 degrees Celsius. At the COP in Paris, France, all of the nations agreed to the suggestion. How many years are there between those two COPs?
3. Each COP meeting has its number.  For example, the first COP in Berlin, Germany, is called COP1 and the second COP in Geneva, Switzerland, is called COP2.  What do you think the COP in Bali, Indonesia, is called?

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Answer keys

1. 8 years (2005-1997=8)
2. 16 years (2015-2009=16)
3. COP 13