Save the Earth from global warming
The weather these days is getting more blistering, huh? Well, this burning heat is only one of the effects of global warming, and the bad news is that the problem is not going away. In fact, it has been a hot topic (pardon my humour) since 40 years ago. The bad news is that the temperature will be rising in the coming years, but the good news is that we can reduce the rate of global warming. Do you know how? By understanding all about global warming!
What is global warming?
Global warming is the average increase in Earth's temperature as a result of an increase in greenhouse gases like water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Some of these gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, but in the past few decades, the amount of these gases has definitely increased –and it is Man's fault! Human activities like burning gasoline (for vehicles' operations), burning oil, coal or wood (to produce electricity) and burning forests (to clear land) have released a large amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. With more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped and the Earth becomes warmer and the weather is hotter and less bearable.
What happens during global warming?
A lot of dreadful things, definitely!
• Rise in temperature of the Earth
• Rise in sea level
• More occurrences of extreme weather ( floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and storms)
• Increased acidity (of the water in the oceans) that may affect coral reefs and planktons (source of food supply for marine animals)
• Extinction of some animals and plants species
• Spread of infectious diseases like dengue fever and malaria
and many, many more problems !
How badly is Singapore affected by global warming?
It is believed that by the year 2100, the sea level would have risen to 88cm and this will have major effects on Singapore since it is, after all, a small, low-lying island.
• We would be observing coastal erosion and land loss, especially at East Coast Park , Sungei Buloh, Pasir Ris Park , West Coast Park and Sentosa
• There would be more floods.
The warmer temperatures could also spell trouble for Singapore .
• The increase in usage of air conditioners would lead to a higher energy demand
• Spread of diseases like dengue
Not to worry though, the Singapore government is constantly looking into ways to solve the problems of global warming, like planting more plants, elevating flood-prone areas and many more.
What can I do about global warming?
Well, you do not have to wait till you are older to do something about global warming. You can start right now! According to scientists, the burning of fossil fuels for energy is a main cause for global warming. You can help fight global warming by using less energy!
• Turn off the lights/radio/television/computer when you are not using them. Instead of watching the television or playing computer games, go for a game of soccer or catch with your friends!
• If you can, take shorter, cold showers instead of long, hot baths since heating water uses energy.
• Refrain from using the air conditioner. Use a fan instead.
• Ride a bicycle instead of taking a bus or car. If you only need to travel over a short distance, a better alternative is to walk (and exercise those muscles!).
• Practise the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Support the “Bring Your Own Bag Day” campaign. Make it a point to bring along your own shopping bags when making purchases. This will help to cut down on the usage of plastic bags.
What has the “Bring Your Own Bag Day” got to do with global warming?
Do you know that Singaporeans use about 2.5 billion plastic bags in one year and that each of us uses n equivalent of 625 plastics bags in a year? Imagine the number of plastic bags that has to be incinerated and the amount of harmful gases that are produced! These gases can cause cancer and greatly contribute to global warming too. So, do your bit in slowing down global warming and quit taking plastic bags from the shops for your purchases. Bring your own reusable shopping bag!
Let us do our part in curbing global warming and show some care for the place that we live in, shall we?