The words “global warming” are pretty self explanatory - the warming of the globe. It's a multi theory occurrence we face everyday, though many of us may not be aware of it- and some, including scientists, even question whether the effects of global warming are enough cause of concern. But if you've observed in the past year how much shorter the cool Christmas season was or how it flooded more recurrently and intensely compared to previous years, then you have partially experienced the gravity of this world wide occurrence.
Specified that scientists are still divided on the issue, global warming is seldom tackled in schools. However, many environmental advocates believe that it is crucial to keep kids informed about this vital issue- especially if they are to be part of the solution “There really is a need to raise awareness among children about global warming because they are going to hopefully be a part of the solution” says Joy Abaquin directress of Multiple Intelligence International School Foundation, Inc., and a consultant for the Department of Education.
Explaining the basics
During the past century, the earth's surface temperature rose between 0.4 to 0.8 Celsius. The rise in our planets average temperature is caused by an increase in the “greenhouse effect.”
The greenhouse effect works by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Normally as the sun's rays enter the atmosphere and hit the surface, 70% is absorbed by land, oceans and plants. The other 30% is reflected into space.
Eventually, the energy that is absorbed is also released. Some reach space; the rest is bounced back to earth by the naturally occurring greenhouse gases- namely carbon dioxide, ozone, and water vapor. Although these gases constitute one percent of the Earth's atmosphere, without them the climate would be 16 degrees colder than it is now, a temperature all living beings wouldn't be able to withstand.
Unfortunately, the way we live today has accelerated this natural process. Hence with more greenhouse gases than needed more and more heat gets trapped.
Effects of global warming
- There would be drastic weather changes worldwide
- Decrease rainfall and increased dryness. This is bad for farming and humans in general.
- Slew of disease carrying mosquitoes
- Melting of glaciers in arctic regions, which may cause sudden rise of water, that can cause flash floods and landslides
Simple ways to save mother earth
Kids can participate on this, there's lot that we can do as individual young and adult.
- Control Transportation: use cleaner fuel, huge carbon dioxide emission is from burning of gasoline.
- Save Electricity: Teach kids to turn off appliances when not in use. Try to substitute appliances with one that uses less electricity.
- Nurture Mother Nature: To help balance out the ecosystem as well as provide nice shade during balmy afternoons.
- No to Burning: Children can inform friends and relatives to stop burninggarbage.
- REUSE, REDUCE, AND RECYCLE.
