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The Greenhouse Effect, Climate Change, Global Warming & You
The Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1ºF over the past 100 years. Scientists expect the Earth to warm another 2 to 6ºF over the next 100 years. As the temperature continues to rise, the Earth and her inhabitants may experience some problems. Many of the world's leading climate scientists agree that human activities are contributing to Earth's warming.
The Greenhouse Effect
A blanket of gases in the atmosphere traps some of the sun's heat from escaping back into space. This is the greenhouse effect. These gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, mainly) are called greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect are natural, and necessary for life on Earth. The issue is that people have added to the blanket of greenhouse gases, causing the earth to heat up more than may have naturally occurred.
This began over 200 years ago. During a period called The Industrial Revolution, machines were invented that require energy to run. As the population grew, energy use also grew. Most of the energy needed to run machines and cars, heat homes and to make electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, like coal, oil and natural gas. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere. Over time these additional greenhouse gasses may have contributed to Earth's warming.
Climate Change
Climate is the typical weather of a place. For example, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, might have some warm, sunny winter days, but their average weather, the climate, is mostly cold with some snow and rain in the winter. Climate Change means long-term weather patterns such as temperature and rainfall are changing.
Global Warming
Global warming is an increase in Earth's average temperature, which causes changes in climate. This change in climate, over time, could impact the habitats and food supplies of plants, wildlife, and humans.
It's important to be aware of Global Warming caused by human activities, because there are many things we can do every day to make a positive difference. If we try, we can each do our part to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the atmosphere.
Based on information from EPA Kids - Climate Change. For more information go to: http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/cc.html
Here are some things YOU can do about Global Warming...
Learn about the environment!
The more you understand about Global Warming and it's impact on the environment, the easier it is to make positive changes. Talk with your friends and family about what you've learned, and set a good example. There are many good books and web sites that will help you learn more about the environment, and how you can help protect it. Ask your teacher or librarian for suggestions, and check out our recommended links and books.
Walk, ride your bike, take the bus or carpool.
Walking and riding a bike add ZERO green house gasses to the atmosphere! Four people can ride together in one car instead of driving four cars to school or work.
Save electricity!
Whenever we use electricity, we put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off lights, the television, and the computer when not in use, you can save a lot of energy. Don't leave chargers plugged in when you're not charging. Use a solar-powered calculator or radio.
Plant Trees.
Planting trees is fun, and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air, and can shade your home to reduce energy used for air conditioning.
Recycle.
Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, clothes and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum.
Think about the environment when you buy things.
 One of the ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases put into the air is to buy products that don't use as much energy. Some products, like certain computers, TVs, stereos, and VCRs, are made especially to save energy and have special labels on them that say ENERGY STAR®. Buying products with ENERGY STAR® labels will help protect the environment.
 You can help the environment by purchasing recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones. Look for this recycle mark on the package. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that already have been used. It often takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones, and the less energy we use, the better it is for the environment. You can help your parents to remember to look for environmentally sound products.
Check out these fun sites for more games and information about Climate Change.
- President’s Environmental Youth Award
Every year kids that work to protect their environment are recognized for their efforts. Find out what other kids have done and how you can be part of it.
- Recycle City
A game, an interactive story book, and other puzzles will teach you hundreds of ways a whole town can reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- When Greenville Turned Brown
Here you'll find an interactive story with really cool graphics that tells you how one town cleaned up their environment.
A POND FULL OF PUZZLES
Visit the wetland to learn how to help protect the animals that live there. You’ll find puzzles, crafts, games and more.
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