Science Common Sense

595 - What is climate change, and why is it a concern?

Climate change is when the Earth's temperature and weather patterns are changing because of the way people are treating the planet. Here's what's happening:

1. Greenhouse gases: When we burn fossil fuels like gasoline, coal, and natural gas, it releases bad stuff into the air, like carbon dioxide. This creates a thick blanket around the Earth, trapping heat.
2. Rising temperatures: The Earth is getting hotter, causing super-strong storms, melting ice caps, and making it harder for animals to survive.
3. Changing weather: This means weird weather patterns, like really hot summers, really cold winters, and lots of floods or droughts.

It's a concern because:

• Animals are in danger: Many animals are losing their homes and might even disappear.
• Our homes and food are at risk: Climate change can cause flooding, landslides, and really bad storms that can damage our homes and affect the food we grow.
• We need to act fast: We have to reduce our carbon footprint and be kind to the planet so we can save our home.

We can all help by:

• Using less energy and water
• Planting more trees and plants
• Recycling and reducing waste
• Walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of cars.