Facts for Kids

Global warming is when the Earth's average temperature rises, caused mainly by human activities! 🌍

It started during the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s when people began using coal and machines. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap heat from the sun, which makes our planet warmer. 🌡

️ Today, temperatures are about 1.2°C higher than in the late 1800s. If we don’t take action, scientists predict that by 2100, temperatures could be 1.5 to 4°C warmer! This can lead to changes in weather, melting ice, and impacts on plants and animals. 🌱🐢

Deforestation means cutting down trees, and it significantly contributes to global warming. 🌳

Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so when we chop them down, more gas stays in the atmosphere, which heats the planet. 🌍

Approximately 17 million hectares of forests are lost every year! The Amazon rainforest, called the "lungs of the Earth," is particularly affected. If we keep losing trees at this rate, it can cause climate chaos. 🌪

️ To combat this, we need to protect and restore forests. Sustainable practices can help us use trees without destroying them, benefiting both people and wildlife! 🌿

Global warming affects plants and animals, which can struggle to survive with changing climates. 🌺

For instance, coral reefs—home to many sea creatures—are dying due to warmer ocean temperatures. 🐠

Scientists estimate that around 50% of corals have bleached since the 1970s. Additionally, animals like polar bears are losing their habitats as ice melts. 🐻

‍❄️ In fact, about one million species face extinction due to climate change! Every living thing is connected in our ecosystem, so when one part changes, it impacts the whole balance of nature. 🌍

The main cause of global warming is greenhouse gas emissions. When we burn fossil fuels like oil, coal, or gas for energy, carbon dioxide is released. In 2021, humans emitted over 36 billion tons of carbon dioxide! 🌬

️ Deforestation is another big factor, as trees absorb carbon dioxide. Cutting down forests means there are fewer trees to help cool the planet. 🚜

Other contributors include farming, which produces methane from livestock, and waste in landfills. So, the more we use fossil fuels and cut trees, the more our planet heats up!

Renewable energy comes from natural sources, like sunlight and wind, that can be replaced! ☀

️ Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, and experts say solar energy could power 100% of the world by 2050! 🌬

️ Wind energy is another fantastic option, as wind turbines capture wind to create energy. Around 27% of electricity in Denmark comes from wind power! 🌀

Other renewable sources include hydropower, using the movement of water, and geothermal energy from the Earth’s heat! These renewable sources are vital in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting global warming! 🌱

Global warming changes our weather! 🌩

️ For example, warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavy rainfall and floods in some places, while other areas may experience droughts and dry conditions. 🏜

️ In the last few decades, hurricanes have become stronger and more frequent due to rising sea temperatures. 🌪

️ Studies show that extreme weather events are increasing around the world. In California, the heatwaves in 2021 were the hottest ever recorded! This change in weather patterns affects how we live, what we grow, and even our energy use!

If global warming continues, experts predict some serious changes for Earth. 🌎

If temperatures rise by 2°C, we could see more intense hurricanes, droughts, and floods by 2050. Ecosystems will shift, causing more species to become endangered or extinct! 🦋

Scientists estimate that we might face food shortages due to changing weather patterns. But there is hope! 🌈

By taking action now, like using renewable energy and reducing emissions, we can create a difference. We can still achieve a sustainable future for generations to come! 🌱

Let's work together to save our planet!

Global warming causes ice in places like Antarctica and Greenland to melt, which leads to sea level rise. 🧊

Since 1993, sea levels have risen about 3 inches! Rising oceans can cause flooding in coastal areas, threatening homes and wildlife. 🌊

Cities like Miami and New York are particularly at risk. If we don’t act, some scientists say ocean levels could rise over 3 feet by 2100! This can change habitats for sea animals and affect millions of people living near coastlines. 🙀

Protecting our planet's temperature can help keep our shores safe!

Mitigating climate change means finding ways to slow it down! 💡

One way is to use less energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use. Another important action is planting more trees, as they absorb carbon dioxide. 🌳

Reducing, reusing, and recycling helps keep waste out of landfills, too! ✂

️ Communities can also switch to renewable energy sources like solar or wind, which create clean energy. ⚡

By working together and making better choices, we can all help protect our planet!

Countries worldwide are joining forces to fight global warming through agreements like the Paris Agreement. 🌐

Adopted in 2015, it aims to limit temperature rise to below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. 🙌

Nations set goals to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect forests. Each country has its own plan, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As of 2021, about 191 countries signed the agreement! 🌍

Teamwork is crucial in fighting climate change, as every nation has a role in creating a cooler Earth for everyone!