Why We're Hot!
By Iyasha, age 17, Alabama
Ever wonder why the temperature gets as hot as ninety degrees in mid-October? Many scientists believe the cause behind this weather confusion is due to global warming.
What is global warming? According to the Stanford Solar Center global warming is the gradual increase in the Earth's temperature. In June 2006, the National Research Council recorded that over the last 400 years the Earth has reached its hottest point. Studies show that the average global surface temperature increased by 0.5 - 1.0 degrees in the 20th century alone.
How did global warming begin? This warm effect is produced when excessive amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful toxins are emitted into the atmosphere. These toxins are generated from gasoline vapors, industrial plants, and deforesting projects. Global warming can pose hazardous threats to the vegetation and wildlife found on Earth. Animals and plants that cannot withstand warm temperatures could become extinct. Humans are also endangered by these deadly temperatures. High temperatures increase the risk of heat strokes and sun poisoning. Excess amounts of smog can also increase the chances of asthma.
With the knowledge of global warming everyone should be able to prevent it from getting any worse. Start off by reducing energy at home. Home energy accounts for 21 percent of America's global warming problem. Did you know that appliances that are plugged in are still using electric current even when they are turned off? Consider unplugging cell phone chargers and other electronic devices when they are not in use. Only turn on the lights when needed. Open up the curtains during the daytime instead. Switching to energy efficient light bulbs can cut the cost of an electricity bill in half. Keep energy efficiency in the back of your mind when driving as well. Try to avoid road rage and quick starts and stops. Excessive braking and acceleration can result in burning an extra 125 gallons of gasoline a year.
People need to reduce pollution as well. Recycle old paper and use them for scratch pages. Organize your trash into to different bins for glass, paper, aluminum, and plastic. Reuse grocery bags as trash bags, or maybe even tomorrow's lunch bag. Ladies, switch from using aerosol hairsprays to hair spritz. Encourage friends and family to contribute to reducing this pollution. The possibilities are endless to improve our environment and end global warming. Take a stand and show mother nature some respect by following these tips to help resolve this sticky weather situation.