Climate Change for Kids: Our Planet's Challenge
What's the deal with climate change?
Have you ever considered why Earth seems like it's playing with us? Sometimes it is extremely hot, and other times we are cold. Join me on an exploration to unravel the secrets of climate change a term, for a significant issue.
The Earth can be compared to a jigsaw-like land, water and air puzzle. However, there's an aspect to this puzzle – it's constantly changing. It is crucial for us to understand the reasons behind these changes.
Picture our planet as a comforting blanket that envelops us in warmth. This blanket is essentially the "atmosphere " as a shield encircling Earth. Its role is to trap a specific amount of solar heat to ensure our comfort level remains optimal, neither too hot nor too cold.
The impact of climate change extends beyond temperature fluctuations. It impacts every aspect of our surroundings. It's not just about experiencing temperatures but about the diverse animals, plants, and people inhabiting this planet.
Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, our actions have contributed significantly to this rise in temperature. Consequently, we are witnessing many effects on our environment, wildlife, and daily lives.
Here are some key statistics to help you understand the severity of climate change
- The Earth's average surface temperature has increased by one degree Celsius (to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) over the 150 years, with more than half of this increase happening since the mid-1970s.
- The past 20 years have been recorded as the warmest.
- Since 1900, sea levels have increased by about 28.42 centimetres.
- A total of 29,568,781,522 tons of CO2 have been released into the atmosphere due to the combustion of fuels like coal, oil and gas.
- The Earth is 1.1 degrees Celsius (2°F) compared to the 1800s, and global temperatures are predicted to increase by 2.7 degrees Celsius (4.8°F) by 2100.
- 80% of energy consumption is derived from burning fossil fuels.
- Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation result in the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Causes of climate change
The cause of climate change is the long-term shift of alteration of the Earth's weather patterns and temperatures. Although natural shifts have occurred throughout history, our actions have hastened this process, warming the planet.
These activities are driving up temperatures, leading to heightened extreme weather conditions. As temperatures rise, adapting to these changes in their surroundings becomes increasingly challenging for us and the environment.
For us to understand the causes of this problem will serve as a step towards safeguarding our planet. Let's delve into some of the factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
Burning Fossil Fuels
Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas contributes to climate change, with over 75% of world greenhouse gas emissions. When we use these fuels to power our cars, create electricity, or heat our homes, we indirectly release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap carbon dioxide (CO2) and heat from the sun and cause our planet to warm up.
Deforestation
Cutting down forests is also a significant contributor to climate change. Forests act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in trees and soil. When we cut down forests for agriculture, timber, or urban development, we release the stored carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, adding to the greenhouse effect. Deforestation also reduces the Earth's ability to absorb CO2, further exacerbating the problem.
Farming
Agriculture also plays a significant role in climate change. Farming activities, such as raising livestock and using fertilisers, release methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are much more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, making them potent contributors to global warming.
Industrial processes
Many industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Landfills and factories release harmful stuff into the air, making the atmosphere less clean. These emissions contribute to the overall increase in global temperatures and the changing climate.
Waste and Pollution
Solid waste generates greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, through the anaerobic decay of waste in landfills and the emission of nitrous oxide from solid waste combustion facilities. Additionally, waste sector methane emissions stem from the breakdown of organic waste in anaerobic conditions, including food and yard waste, paper, cardboard, and wood.
Methane is more than 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a climate pollutant in the short term. Plastics have a significant carbon footprint, emitting 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle.
Did you know? The world makes enough plastic yearly to cover the entire planet in plastic wrap!
Effects of climate change
Climate change has numerous effects on the environment and human health.
The most significant effects of climate change include:
- Hotter temperatures: Global average surface temperature has increased by at least 1.1°C (1.9°F), leading to more frequent high-temperature extremes, such as heatwaves.
- Extreme weather events: Climate change is causing more frequent and severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
- Sea level rise: Global mean sea level has risen about 21–24 centimetres (8–9 inches) since 1880, with an accelerated rate of 3.6 millimetres (0.14 inches) per year.
- Melting ice and glaciers: Climate change is causing the loss of sea ice, melting glaciers, and ice sheets, which contributes to sea level rise and affects ecosystems
- Shifts in plant and animal geographic ranges: As temperatures rise and ecosystems change, plant and animal species shift, leading to biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruptions.
- Impacts on human health: Climate change has worsened air and water quality, increased the spread of certain diseases, and caused additional deaths due to malnutrition, malaria, and other health issues.
- Food and water insecurity: Climate change has led to food and water shortages, resulting in malnutrition and increased risk of infectious diseases.
What can you do?
Some solutions can help mitigate its effects and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some critical climate change solutions:
- Save Energy: One of the easiest ways to help is by saving energy daily. Turn off lights when you're not using them, unplug devices when they're not in use, and close doors and windows to keep heat from escaping.
- Plant trees and grow your food: Did you know that plants and trees can help remove greenhouse gases from the air? Planting a tree or growing vegetables and fruits helps our planet breathe easier. Plus, gardening is a fun and healthy activity for the whole family!
- Green transportation: Encouraging public transportation, cycling, walking, and electric vehicles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: We can all do our part to reduce waste by reusing and recycling items whenever possible. For example, instead of buying new things, try fixing broken items or repurposing them for a different use. And remember to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and other materials to help keep our planet clean and green.
- Learn and share: Knowledge is power! Learn as much as you can about climate change and share what you've learned with your friends and family. Understanding, discussing and encouraging others to adopt eco-friendly habits can inspire others to take action and make a difference.
- Support green initiatives: Encourage your school, community, and local businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices. This could include recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, or renewable energy sources like solar panels.
- Be a climate change ambassador: You can be a positive role model for others by showing them how easy and fun it is to make eco-friendly choices. Please share your knowledge and experiences with your friends, classmates, and family members, and encourage them to join you in taking action against climate change.
- Get involved in environmental projects: Join local environmental clubs or organisations focusing on climate change solutions. Participate in activities like tree planting, clean-up events, or educational workshops to help make a difference in your community.
We strive to connect our customers with the right product and supplier. Would you like to be part of GreenMatch?
