Our Changing Climate: A Global Challenge
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing our planet today. Just like a blanket keeps us warm on a cold night, gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun, keeping our planet at a comfortable temperature. This natural process is called the greenhouse effect. However, over the past 150 years, human activities have been adding more of these greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, causing the Earth to warm up more than it should.
When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas to power our cars, homes, and factories, we release a gas called carbon dioxide into the air. Scientists have discovered that the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by more than 45% since the Industrial Revolution began in the 1800s. This extra carbon dioxide acts like an extra-thick blanket around Earth, trapping more heat than necessary.
The effects of this warming are visible all around us. In the Arctic, ice that has existed for thousands of years is melting at an alarming rate. Polar bears and other Arctic animals are finding it harder to hunt and survive as their icy habitat disappears. The melting ice also causes sea levels to rise, threatening coastal cities and islands. In fact, scientists have found that global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches since 1900.
Climate change doesn’t just affect cold places; it impacts weather patterns worldwide. Some regions are experiencing more severe droughts, while others face stronger hurricanes and heavier rainfall. In Australia, unusual weather conditions led to devastating bushfires in 2019-2020, affecting millions of animals and destroying vast areas of forest.
However, there is hope. Countries around the world are working together to solve this problem. Many are switching to clean energy sources like solar and wind power, which don’t release greenhouse gases. People are also making small but important changes in their daily lives, such as using less electricity, recycling, and choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving.
Young people are playing a crucial role too. Students worldwide are learning about climate change and finding creative ways to help protect our planet. From starting school recycling programs to planting trees in their communities, children are showing that everyone can make a difference in fighting climate change.
