The weather changes from day to day, but the overall pattern we see over the years is called the climate. However, because of climate change, this pattern is altering over time. Our earth is steadily becoming warmer than it once was, as if a huge thermostat were being cranked up.
What Causes Climate Change?
Greenhouse Gasses and The Greenhouse Effect
Did you know that our Earth is like a giant greenhouse? In a greenhouse, sunlight enters and warms up the inside, but the heat can’t escape, keeping it warm for plants to grow. Our Earth works the same way, with some gasses in the air trapping heat, a process we call the ‘Greenhouse Effect.’
“Greenhouse gasses” are the key gasses involved in this process. The significant greenhouse gasses responsible for global warming are CO2, nitrous oxide, methane, and CFC. Normally, these glasses are helpful because they keep our Earth at a perfect temperature for us to live. But, if we have too much of these gasses, too much heat gets trapped, and our Earth starts to get too hot. This is what we call ‘Global Warming.’
Human Activities
The use of fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas increases levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. When we drive cars, heat our homes, or use electricity, we usually burn these fuels, releasing more carbon dioxide into the air.
Additionally causing climate change is deforestation, which occurs when humans chop down trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to balance the amount in the atmosphere. More CO2 remains in the atmosphere without them.
What are the Results of Climate Change?
Rising Temperatures
Our earth is getting warmer as the quantity of greenhouse gasses rises in the atmosphere. If you enjoy hot weather, this might seem lovely, but it’s not so good for the environment. A slight rise in Earth’s temperature can have significant repercussions.
Changing Weather Patterns
The weather begins to change as the Earth heats. Some places might get hotter, while others get colder. Some areas might get more rain, and others could face droughts. Plants and animals may struggle to survive in areas where they once flourished as a result.
Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels
The polar ice caps may be familiar to you. They are giant sheets of ice at the North and South Poles. These ice caps begin to melt as the planet grows warmer. Sea levels increase as a result of the melting ice flowing into the water. Flooding and the disappearance of inhabited land can result from rising sea levels.
Disruption of Habitats and Wildlife
Many animals have specific habitats where they live. However, changes in temperature and weather patterns can disrupt these habitats. For instance, polar bears depend on ice to hunt and exist, but as the ice melts, they are struggling to survive.
How Can We Help Stop Climate Change?
Climate change is no doubt alarming, but we can take measures to control it.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reducing our waste and reusing or recycling things can help a lot. Remember, producing new stuff often means burning fossil fuels, so using less can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Saving Energy
We may conserve a significant amount of energy by switching off lights, laptops, and other gadgets while not in use. And using energy-efficient appliances can help even more!
Planting Trees
Remember how trees absorb CO2? The air’s carbon dioxide content can be balanced by adding additional trees to the area.
Learning and Sharing Knowledge
We can contribute more as we become more knowledgeable about climate change. And by sharing what we learn with others, we can get everyone involved in protecting our planet!We can join hands to solve the alarming problem of climate change. By understanding science and doing our part, we can help keep our beautiful Earth healthy and vibrant for many generations to come!
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