Global Warming
...house gases, such as methane, is going up too. This all means that less heat can escape and more is being trapped. Over the last 100 years the Earth's temperature has increased by about 0.6°C because of the greenhouse effect. This may not sound like a lot but even tiny changes can make a big difference. (Diagram 3) What could happen around the world? No one knows for sure what will happen in the future. But scientists can look at what has happened in the past. They can also use very complicated calculations and computer programs. The changes in the list below may happen around the world over the next 100 years if we do nothing to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases, being made (Diagram 4) • The average temperature around the world may go up by between 1.4°C and 5.8°C over the next 100 years. This may not sound like very much but the average temperature during the last ice age, when mammoths lived on the Earth, was only 5°C less than it is today! • The level of the sea could rise by 10 cm - 90 cm (almost 1 meter). This would mean that as many as 90 million people around the world could have their homes flooded every year. This is a lot if you think that about 60 million people live in the UK. • There may be fewer rainforests, so fewer trees to use up the carbon dioxide. Rainforests may start to die and give out more carbon dioxide, making it even warmer. In many countries the amount of rainfall may change so about 3 billion people could have more problems getting the water they need for drinking, cooking, washing and for watering their crops. Many people in places like Asia and Africa may not be able to grow the crops they need to survive so there could be more famines. • Diseases, like malaria, that prefer hot temperatures may spread to more places in the world as the temperature goes up. Most of the countries where the effects will be worse are very poor and already have problems with drought and famine. For Example In the UK may not be as badly affected as many places in the world but there could still be problems. • The United Kingdom may get warmer although, like now, not everywhere will be the same temperature. Over the next 100 years the temperature in summer, as far north as the Lake District, could rise to be the same as it is on the South Coast of England today. The South Coast could be even warmer. • The south and east may get drier which could mean that there will be more droughts. The north and west may get even wetter and there could be more storms and floods. • Many animals and plants may not be able to cope with the rising temperature. They may move north as it will be cooler there than in the south. There might not be room for all of them so some might not survive. Remember that these things will only happen if we keep on making more and more greenhouse gases. Luckily people are doing their bit to stop this from happening. Does anybody care? So far it's been all bad news but there is good news too! Unlike many things that happen to our climate, such as hurricanes and tidal waves, global warming is something we can try to stop. You now know that the main cause of global warming is too many greenhouse gases being made. Governments around the world have agreed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases made each year. For Example in the UK, Government has done various things. Some of these are listed below. 1 They are looking at different ways of making electricity. • Scientists have found ways to make sure that no energy is wasted when gas and coal is burnt to make electricity. This means that no more carbon dioxide is produced than necessary. • Another way is to make electricity in ways that don't use coal or gas and so carbon dioxide isn't made at all. Some examples of this are using the sun (this is called solar power) and using the wind (like in windmills). 2 They are also looking at ways to make sure we don't waste electricity. • They are encouraging businesses to use less electricity. • They are giving people advice on how they can reduce the amount of electricity used in their homes. 3 They are trying to cut down on the amount of carbon dioxide produced by cars. • Cars are being made which will use less petrol than before and give out less carbon dioxide. • The Government is trying to improve buses and trains so more people use them rather than cars. Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide we make is not something that the Government can do on its own. It needs the help of the people who run power stations, businesses, people who make cars and, most importantly, people like you. What you can do about it? You really can make a difference. It is very important that everyone starts 'doing their bit' and acting now so that we can cut down the amount of greenhouse gases made. If we wait, or hope that other people are making an effort, it may be too late and global warming may change our world forever! A huge amount of carbon dioxide is made when coal and gas is burnt to produce electricity and when petrol is used to run cars. If you save energy by cutting down the amount of electricity and petrol you and your family use you will cut down the amount of carbon dioxide made. Some ways to save energy are simple, like turning off a light when you don't need it. Other ways are not so clear for example, recycling drinks cans won't save energy in your own home but it will save lots of energy at the can factory. There are many ways to save energy and some are listed here. It needn't take much time and won't cost you any money - in fact it should save quite a lot. Doing your bit at home If you save electricity around the home you will be cutting down the amount of carbon dioxide made, and cutting down on the bills too. • Why not turn off lights when you don't need them. • Switch off TVs, computers and hi-fis completely when you're not using them. If you leave them on standby they still use about half the amount of electricity as when they're on! • Ask your parents if they have thought of using energy efficient light bulbs. They cost more than normal light bulbs but can save a lot of electricity. • When you use the kettle, just boil the water you need - try not to fill it up if you don't need to. • If you turn down your central heating by just 1°C you could save about £15-£30 per year from fuel bills. • Let food cool down before putting it ...