Climate change is a significant long-term change in the earth’s weather pattern. Because of various factors, the global temperature is now rising rapidly, which we call global warming. Global warming is a serious issue, but some people still are unaware of it, or simply don’t care. Because of the fast rising temperature, many glaciers are melting, resulting in floods and animals losing their homes. Also, natural disasters such as droughts and wildfires are occurring more often, causing forests and other plants to die out. Heat waves are another concern, because they may cause a variety of health issues.
What Causes Climate Change?
Climate change is mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in our atmosphere so that the earth is able to sustain life. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases, such as water vapour and carbon dioxide is essential to life on earth, but too much of it can be harmful. A lot of greenhouse gases are man-made too. Pollution, livestock, and burning fossil fuels can greatly increase the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Deforestation can also affect the amount of greenhouse gases there are. Though deforestation doesn’t directly release these gases, clearing forests will decrease the amount of trees there are to capture carbon dioxide.
What Can You Do to Help?
There are many ways you can fight climate change, from turning off the lights to joining a climate action event. Below are some simple things you can do to help stop climate change.
- Use LED light bulbs
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Eat less meat
- Use reusable water bottles
- Walk/bike to school
- Carpool
- Spread awareness by educating others
- Use reusable shopping bags
- Plant a tree
Catherine 