Promise 13 – Climate Action is meant to improve the world’s climates. We produce more carbon dioxide (CO2) every year.
The sun’s rays warm the Earth, keeping everything from freezing. But carbon dioxide (CO2) from cars and factories and homes slows down or stops the heat from the rays escaping back into space. So the Earth warms up. Too much heat causes temperatures to rise. Global warming is the name for this increase in the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans over time. Some people believe the change to the Earth’s climate is permanent.
Between 1880 and 2012, the average temperature of the Earth increased by almost 1° Celsius. That small change has caused our oceans to heat up, snow and ice to melt, and sea levels to rise. It has also affected the weather.
The earth is warming up. March 2017 was the second warmest March in 137 years since records began. More than a million square kilometres of Arctic sea ice (the size of Argentina) has melted every ten years since 1979. Animals and plants can’t adapt and they are in danger if the warming continues.
What are grown-ups doing about it?
One of the 17 Promises that adults have made to children is SDG 13:
Take Urgent Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impacts.
PREPARING
This means informing governments about climate change so that when they are creating laws they can work to reduce the effects of climate change.
INFORMING
Making sure everyone knows about climate change and shares ideas on how to slow down global warming
WORKING TOGETHER
The United Nations will bring the world’s countries together to share and raise money for solutions.
What can you do about it?
Here are a few Climate Action things you can do right now.
Each of us can really make a difference!
Turn on the light when you really need it. Save electricity by turning it off when you’re not using it.
Wait till there are enough clothes to fill the washing machine.
Air dry your clothes instead of using the tumble drier.
Take short showers rather than long baths.
Think!
“Recycle and re-use things rather than throwing them away.”
Cycle, or use public transport whenever you can.
This story appears in the Chicken Newspaper Climate Issue. Take a look below