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 The Earth has warmed by about 1oF over the past 100 years. But how? And why?
Scientists are not exactly sure; the Earth could be getting warmer on its own, or, as many of the world’s leading Climate scientists think, the activities of the Earth’s population are causing the Earth to get warmer.
Climate change represents a change in long-term weather patterns. For example, climates may become warmer or colder and annual amounts of rainfall or snowfall may increase or decrease.
Some people think climate change is a natural process, as over 1000s of years the Earth’s climate has changed slowly, with Ice Ages occurring in the past.
But since the Industrial Revolution there has been a rapid increase in global temperatures which appears unnatural. It is believed that the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which encase the Earth in a kind of envelope preventing a high proportion of heat from leaving the Earth’s atmosphere. This trapped heat is then absorbed by the Earth which is causing it to continually keep warming up.
The burning of fossil fuels causes greenhouse gasses to be released into the atmosphere. As we burn more and more fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands, more and more greenhouse gases are released.
Therefore, if we use renewable energy instead of fossil fuels this will reduce the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
We also need to reduce our consumption and waste of electricity if we are going to slow down climate change.
Did you know everyone releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere whenever you:
 Play a video game- Listen to a stereo
- Wash or dry Clothes
- Use a dishwasher
- Use the microwave
- Watch TV
- Use the air conditioning
- Turn on a light
- Use a hair dryer
- Travel in a car or on a plane.
How else can you prevent the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere?
- Follow the 3Rs and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle as much as possible, so less fossil fuels have to be burnt to make new products.
- Walk or cycle to school if it is safe to do so or use public transport or car share with friends
- Play games outside with family and friends instead of using electricity to watch the TV or play video games
- Turn off lights when you leave a room
- Be more energy efficient
- Encourage others to be energy efficient too.
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Children's Windy World
