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Climate change explained
Climate change means that the global temperature is rising and we can expect:
- Flooding as the world's water gets warmer and icecaps melt. This will raise water levels everywhere. Flooding will leave people homeless and with less land for farming.
- Stormy weather thanks to tropical storms forming due to the warmer water.
- Hot areas of the word will become hotter and drier, wet and stormy areas (like here) will become stormier. An example of this is that in Thailand it has already become too dry to grow rice in some parts.
Climate change is mainly caused by traffic fumes, deforestation (the cutting down of trees for farming or industry), burning trees and litter, large power plants that use coal, oil or gas and intensive farming of animals.
How can we help reduce climate change?
- We still get most of our energy from burning coal, oil, gas and wood. You can switch to renewable energy such as solar, hydro (water) or wind power.
- Save energy at home and at work with simple steps.
- You can reduce fumes by driving as little as possible, using lead free petrol and avoiding aerosol sprays.
- Recycle and reuse as much as possible.
- Support national and global environmental campaigns.
The latest:
Scientists have discovered that climate change and global warming is inevitable over the next century, even if all emissions of greenhouse gases stopped today. Concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to climate change are so high that their warming effects would continue anyway.
Policies designed to control global warming are likely to take decades to have an impact. Even if these measures to cut greenhouse gas production succeed, the world will still have to prepare for higher temperatures. However, recent studies say that if emissions are controlled, this would reduce the degree of global warming that can be expected.
So, start making an effort to reduce climate change NOW!
By: Jeni Murrin
The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.
