Earth calling

Global Warming

What’s happening to the planet? Is it getting hotter? Many scientists think so!

Over the past hundred years or so, man has been burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil in power stations to produce electricity or in homes to create heat. Unfortunately, these activities pollute the air with harmful gases. Deforestation is also reducing the earth's ability to absorb these gases. In more recent years, exhaust fumes from cars and other vehicles have added to the problem. In fact, the gases released into the atmosphere by these human activities keep heat in and warm the planet like a greenhouse does. That is why they are called "greenhouse gases".

NASA believes that the Earth's temperature has increased by 0.66 to 0.78ºC since 1900, and scientists believe that this is the result of human activities. What's more, they blame these activities for causing other problems such as air pollution, acid rain, melting glaciers, loss of certain natural habitats and breathing problems. For example, 25% of the world's coral reefs, where as many as 4,000 fish species live, have already died. That means that certain fish species are at risk of disappearing, too. Furthermore, one third of the world's population lives near the sea and 13 of the world's 20 largest cities are on the coast and could be in danger from rising sea levels in the future.

Can we stop the planet from getting too warm? The answer is yes! Many people believe that we can stop or slow down global warming by making a few changes in our habits. One way to do this, which is becoming more and more popular, is to turn to solar power for electricity and heating. We can also reduce the amount of petrol we use by only using cars when really necessary and only using environmentally-friendly fuel. Of course, governments also need to take action to reduce pollution. It's not too late but we all need to work together to stop global warming.

We can stop the planet from getting too warm...need you!!