The Entire Planet Has a Fever
By Alexandra, age 16, Michigan
The end is near, or so that's what people worldwide have claimed. Across the globe people are panicking and trembling in fear that the world could possibly be at its end. Don't believe the hype! However, our planet is slowly dying of a sickness that we may be able to cure just enough to save our planet. Global warming has become a frightening epidemic to us all. Some people may welcome this, but in actuality, there are many more negatives than what people are realizing.
There are many gases which we need to maintain in order for humanity to thrive. These gases trap heat into the Earth; without them, the Earth would be about 60 degrees colder. However, as time goes on, scientists are claiming that we are producing too many greenhouse gases. An overload of greenhouse gases will cause the Earth's temperature to increase too much. Some people are embracing the expected rise in temperature; however, it's a bit more complicated than that.
If you live in a city located on a coast, you would be at risk for terrible floods, because as the heat increases, water expands, and due to the fact that water absorbs more heat than land, sea levels would began to rise, ultimately rising to a dangerous level. Certain plants and animals may not be able to adapt to the change in heat, and become extinct.
Our economy could be at risk as well. Droughts would make growing crops difficult, because America's number one export is agriculture. The globe would also be at risk for devastating hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms that may be much more intense than our usual storms.
It all sounds pretty serious, and it is all indeed possible. However, nothing that has been predicted is for certain, but instead, only possible. Maybe someday we will be able to unlock one of Earth's secrets so our and future generations will be able to thrive peacefully.
We have been at fault multiple times for global warming, due to the fact that people sincerely believe that we don't do enough to stop it. However, most greenhouse gases are caused by natural processes such as swamps, oceans, and forests. Because we're unable to control the natural processes of nature contributing to global warming, we must act on what we can control - our own contributions to global warming.
Here are a few tips to lessen and slow down the processes of global warming:
* There are ways to get from Point A to Point B other than by car - walk, jog, bike-ride, or at least carpool! It may be a workout, and it's medicine for our planet's health.
* Get a group of friends or your class to plant more trees! Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and with more trees providing windbreaks, buildings will be at more even temperatures, lessening the need for energy required for heating or cooling.
* Recycle and reuse! Become active in the fight against global warming with other people who care about saving the planet. You can even get your school to recycle all of the bottles everyone uses, as well as well recycling clothes to save energy and raw materials.
* Don't waste electricity. Turn off your TV, radio, light, etc., when they aren't in use.
Together, it is possible to make a huge difference in a small way. Let's start now! If not now, when? You must remember that Earth is our home. If we don't protect it, who will?