How can I help prevent Climate Change?

 

When people talk about Climate Change, they are talking about the temperature and weather on planet Earth changing. In the last one hundred years the temperature on our planet has gone up by a little bit, about 1 degree. The reason it’s getting warmer is because too much heat is getting trapped in earth’s atmosphere and making the planet too hot.

Every time we use energy, we send more heat (Carbon Dioxide) into the atmosphere. Carbon Dioxide, or Mr. Carbon as we call him, is created when humans drive cars and make electricity for things like lights and computers. But, if we are all more careful and don’t waste energy or use more than we need, we can help to cool off the earth!

Here are some great ideas to get you started:

• Use less energy at home. In winter, wear a sweater and turn the thermostat down. In summer, turn off the lights and use the natural light of the sun!

• Take shorter showers. Heating shower water uses energy. Even just a few minutes can add up to a big difference over time!

• Ride your bike! If you live close enough to school, hop on your bike or walk. Replace car rides whenever possible.

• Carry a reusable water bottle. Picture how many disposable water bottles pile up after a week, a month, or a year. Skip all that waste by getting a cool reusable one!

• Power down. Even when they’re “off,” many appliances like computers continue to use energy. Ask your family to unplug these items when they’re not in use, or to turn off the power strip they’re attached to.

• Eat Your Veggies. Livestock like cows create carbon on farms. Even just one day a week of vegetarian meals can make a big difference!

If you want more ideas about how you can cool the earth, visit http://www.cooltheearth.org/action-coupons/ and check out the Action Coupons that help kids take action to fight climate change. Additionally, you can talk to your parents about bringing Cool the Earth to your school. Cool the Earth is a free program any school can run, which gives kids and their families the knowledge and tools to take action to fight climate change today. Visit http://cooltheearth.org for more information.