So, what is Climate Change?
Today marks the start of COP26, where many different world leaders will come together to discuss the global climate issue. But, what is climate change?
Let’s Break it Down
A climate is the typical weather for a specific area. For example, Scotland tends to be a bit cold, cloudy and sometimes rainy whereas a country like Spain will be warmer with a lot more sunshine.
In the past 100 years these climates have started to change and shift. This is called climate change. This means that the hot places are getting hotter, and the cold places are starting to become warm. This warming is occurring globally with the whole world getting hotter by 0.2°C every ten years.
This warming is happening because we are letting greenhouse gases into the air which keeps the world warm like a blanket. At first this may not seem like a bad thing. Wouldn’t it be a good thing to have some warmer days in Scotland? While we might have some hot summers, the people in other countries will be far too hot.
What Might Happen?
Climate change is not just the world getting hotter. Weather is becoming stronger and more varied which makes it hard to prepare for. You may hear about sea water levels rising, or wildfires (fires in wild places like forests and fields) becoming more common.
These are caused by climate change and the warming of the earth. Sea water levels are rising because glaciers and big chunks of ice are being melted at the North Pole, which lets more water into the ocean. Because of this many people who live near water may be in danger, and will have to move.
There are many other effects such as flooding, lack of drinkable water, difficulty growing plants, animals dying and more.
What Can We Do?
Obviously the effects of climate change are not very good, but you can help out!
Raising awareness of climate change with your family, friends and classmates can help people understand how dangerous it is.
Be careful with how much greenhouse gas we let into the air by using less electricity and travelling less.
Talk to your parents about how you can all help to fight climate change. Consider writing a letter or email to members of parliament to let them know that you care.
There are many more things that you can do to help out with the fight against climate change, and if we work together then we can defeat it!
