Global warming is the process in which heat from the sun is trapped in the earth's atmosphere as a
result of pollution. Scientists think that the Earth's surface temperature has risen 1 degree
Fahrenheit over the last 100 years. One degree over many years may not seem like much, but
global warming can be devastating to our planet.
"Carbon dioxide pollution spewing from our cars and power plants is building
up in the atmosphere and causing global warming," said Alex Veitch, a conservation organizer for the
Sierra Club's global warming and energy program. "Scientists predict
that global warming will damage our coasts and crops, encourage the spread of infectious diseases
and lead to the extinction of many plant and animal species."
The Environmental Protection Agency's Global Warming Site outlines
the many effects of global warming, including climate change, expansion of deserts and rising sea levels.
Young kids can visit the EPA's Explorers Club for a simple
explanation of global warming.
The effect of global warming on humans is also dramatic. The risk of internal health problems increases
with rapid climate change. The EPA explains that higher temperatures can injure people with heart problems
because their cardiovascular systems will have to work harder. Global warming increases ozone in our
atmosphere, which can cause lung damage, the EPA says.
Knowledge about climate change is a major way people can battle environmental pollution. For more information
about global warming, check out these sites geared toward older students:
What You Can Do
Global warming is a huge problem, but there are some simple things you can do to help prevent it.
The Sierra Club's Global Warming Campaign outlines government
energy legislation and explains how to express your view to your local representatives. Browse the list
of "Ten Things You Can Do to Stop Global Warming"
to learn more about conserving energy. Check out the group's
Clean Car Campaign, which explains how getting
more mileage per gallon could help the environment.
"The biggest single step to curbing global warming is to raise miles per
gallon standards for cars, sport utility vehicles and light trucks," Veitch said. "Making SUVs and
other light trucks get the same mileage as cars would save 240 million tons of carbon dioxide per year by
the end of the next decade. Young people can also promote energy efficiency and clean wind and solar
power in their schools and families."
Did you know that pollution releases 60 million tons of carbon dioxide daily? That's a figure provided
by the Environmental Defense Fund. At this site you can send letters to
President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney asking them to actively participate in
fighting global warming.
--- T. Beecham
---ed. A. Crawford
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