Written by Teddy Bahnck, 6th Grade
We all know that climate change is occurring, and that we need to do something about it. But are we really doing anything about it? What is it? How is it really affecting us?
What is Global Warming?
Global warming is the occurrence of Earth’s average temperature increasing. Research has shown that this has been rising drastically since the late 1900s, and that it has increased about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 1800s. Our planet is surrounded by a variety of gasses. They are what make up our atmosphere. Some are in the greenhouse gasses category. A couple of known greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide and methane. Greenhouse gasses trap Earth’s heat. This is not a bad thing, but it can turn into one. Plants and animals need heat to survive. But here is when things can take a turn: when humans and other things add even more heat into the air, more heat is trapped in the greenhouse gasses. This is called global warming.
Who is Responsible for it?
Humans are mainly to blame for global warming. Some things that are allowing global warming to occur is burning coal, using up our fossil fuels, and releasing excessive gas into the air. That is all adding up to the sun’s heat getting trapped into greenhouse gasses. Think of how hot that is! I’m sure everyone wonders the same thing at some point: When is the world going to end? Well, I have an answer. If we continue ruining our beloved planet and let global warming take over, that’s the world’s end. The world would end because of us.
Think of those adorable penguins and polar bears. They wouldn’t be here if global warming continues, along with icebergs and ice sheets. Polar bears would not have any food, because they wouldn’t be able to catch the seals since there would be little ice to stand on! Playing in the snow? That’s impossible if there’s no snow to play in! With global warming, the air would be too warm for any rain to freeze into snow.
How Can We Reverse Climate Change?
We need to reverse this catastrophe before it becomes irreversible. Put on a sweatshirt instead of turning the thermostat up. Turn off the lights when you exit a room. Walk or bike to your destination. Cut back on your fossil fuel usage. Spread the word. If you’re feeling generous, feel free to donate to the “Sierra Club Foundation,” a nonprofit, charitable organization focused on environmental efforts. If we don’t work to stop the climate crisis now, our mistakes can and will go irreversible. Polar bears will go extinct. Penguins will go extinct. Humans could go extinct. And billions more species of animals, insects, and plants. Instead of playing video games, go outside and clean up trash around your neighborhood. There are also a variety of clubs you can join throughout townships and communities that are directed towards reversing the climate crisis.
In conclusion, we need to step up our game. Climate change is an issue for everyone, not just you and not just me. We must reverse this existential crisis before it is too late. Scientists warn that if we don’t, climate change could be irreversible as early as 2029. This article isn’t only towards the kids, it’s also towards the adults. In fact, studies have shown that adults contribute more to climate change than kids. Instead of using a car, encourage bike riding or walking. Use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. If we work together and put our minds to it, we can create a change and help make our environment healthy for everyone and everything.