Global Warming and Climate Change

Global warming is when the Earth's average temperature gets hotter over a long time. This is mainly caused by things humans do, like burning fuels for energy, driving cars, and cutting down trees. These actions release gases into the air called greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, which leads to changes in the weather, melting ice at the poles, and rising sea levels.

One of the biggest reasons for these greenhouse gases is the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels come from the ground and are used for energy in our homes, cars, and factories. Cutting down forests, or deforestation, is another problem because trees normally take in carbon dioxide. When we remove trees, that carbon dioxide goes back into the air, making the problem worse.

As the Earth gets warmer, scientists are worried about what might happen if we don’t take action. Many animals and plants might lose their homes because they can’t adapt quickly enough to the changing climate. This means some species could disappear forever, which is called extinction.

Global warming also affects our food and water. If temperatures and rainfall patterns change, farmers might not be able to grow as much food. This could lead to shortages, which means some people might not have enough to eat. Additionally, as glaciers melt, they give us less fresh water, which we need for drinking, farming, and making electricity.

In summary, global warming is a big problem that we all need to pay attention to. We can help by using less energy, planting trees, and supporting rules that protect the environment. If we work together, we can make our planet healthier for everyone in the future.

What if? Discussion Prompts:

1. What if people started using cleaner energy sources instead of fossil fuels? How might that change the situation?
2. What if we planted more trees in our communities? What would be the benefits?
3. What if scientists discovered a new way to remove greenhouse gases from the air? How could that help the planet?