Global warming is a topic on everyone’s mind these days. We hear about it on TV, read about it in the papers and we’re experiencing it first-hand with extreme changes in the weather. Throughout the world, glaciers are melting, there is an increased frequency of severe storms and drought, and category 4 and 5 hurricanes have nearly doubled in number! All of these weather effects are forcing animals from their natural habitats, killing plant life, and rendering some of each to early extinction.
What Causes Climate Change?
The main cause of climate change is an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Activities that burn fossil fuels—coal, fuel oil or natural gas, release CO2 into the atmosphere. The effects of increased CO2 emissions are enormous and potentially devastating. If left unchecked, shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica would melt causing sea levels to rise over 20 feet. Coastal cities like London and New York would end up below sea level, displacing millions and causing massive economic damage.
But What Can I Do?
We can all make a difference! Calculating your “Carbon Footprint”—the measure of carbon dioxide produced as a result of your activities—is the first step. For example, traveling by airplane from New York to Paris produces over 5,800 pounds of carbon dioxide. Once you know how much CO2 you personally produce, you can support an environmental project to neutralize the damage. Some projects plant trees to convert CO2 into oxygen. Others fund energy from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests replacing five frequently used lights with ENERGY STAR® labeled bulbs. With the cooperation of every US household, over 1 trillion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions could be offset or prevented!
It’s Your Planet!
Now is the time to act if we want to avoid the disastrous consequences of climate change. Start a Carbon Neutrality Program at school with your students to counter the effect of climate change and help ensure the safety and well-being of future generations! As they say, there is no time like the present, and the future of the planet is in our hands.
Find out about this year's Earth Day campaign: "A billion acts of green" and get involved!