This is one of the topics that may come in the real IELTS test.

First, some definitions and facts of the main concepts for you to understand the depth of the issue

• The climate is the accumulation of atmospheric conditions taking place in a specific area for a period of time.
• Global warming is the increase in the earth’s temperature.
• The greenhouse effect is the phenomenon in which the thin layer of gas around the earth, which allows solar radiation from the sun into the planet to maintain heat, is also preventing the excess heat from leaving the planet, causing the temperature to rise. 
• Over the past 150 years, the average global temperature increased by 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Some animal and plant species may not survive the rise in the earth’s temperature, causing them to extinct, which, in turn, may have an impact on the ecosystem. 
• Oceans are getting warmer, which endangers some sea creatures that live in cold water. Furthermore, the polar sea ice will melt, resulting in rising sea levels and threatening coastal cities.
• Between 1901 and 2010, the sea level rose 7.5 inches. 
• Cars produce about 10% of total CO2 emissions. 

The causes of global warming are the following:

1. the surge in human activity
2. the greenhouse effect
3. the industrial revolution
4. burning fossil fuels
5. deforestation 

The consequences of global warming are the following:

1. water shortages
2. desertification
3. the rise in sea levels to alarming levels
4. the change in climate patterns
5. natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and unpredicted storms are becoming more frequent

The measures that could be taken to mitigate the consequences of global warming

1. installing and building more power plants to generate renewable energy
2. taking public transportation, biking, or any eco-friendly transportation
3. plant trees
4. recycle to save energy wasted producing new products
5. reduce electricity consumption