What is it and why is it important?

Climate change is the most important environmental challenge facing our world, many scientists believe. Whether you live in the United States, Europe, Africa or almost any other place on this planet, you probably will be affected in some way. However, the good news is that scientists are aware of this problem, and leaders are working together from almost every developed nation in the world to try to lessen climate change.

What is it?

For the past 250 years, mankind has been rapidly developing our civilization. The world's population began to increase more quickly. People cleared forests in many countries to make way for agriculture and communities. The Industrial Revolution began, requiring coal for factories. Then, people started traveling by car, plane and train, all requiring oil for energy. People began living in larger homes, buying more things and, in general, consuming much more energy. The combination of clearing forests and using energy has led to global warming.

Carbon is a naturally occurring element that is found in most things. It is a building block of life. It is found in people, plants, animals, coal and oil. However, it is released when trees are burned to clear land, and when people use fossil fuels (such as coal and oil) for manufacturing, transportation and all the other energy needs we have.

The result is that too much carbon is getting into the Earth's atmosphere. It has caused a problem called "the greenhouse effect." Essentially, gasses in the Earth's atmosphere naturally capture the heat from the Earth and trap it, keeping our planet warm. Greenhouse gasses are good for that reason. However, too much carbon released into the atmosphere creates a 'super' greenhouse effect. It traps in too much of the Earth's heat. As a result, our planet is getting warmer.

A layer of greenhouse gases - primarily water vapor, and including much smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide - acts as a thermal blanket for the Earth, absorbing heat and warming the surface to a life-supporting average of 59 degrees Fahrenheit t(15 degrees Celsius.)

While global solutions are being determined, there are steps each individual person can take now to make a big difference:

Reduce your use of oil and gas

Buy energy efficient cars, carpool and drive less. At home, set the air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees. Buy energy efficient lightbulbs and appliances. Turn off computers and other electronics when not in use.

Buy food locally

Energy is used to transport food across states and the country. Buy food grown and produced within several hundred miles of where you live, if possible.

Consider the importance of all purchases

Most items we buy require energy to both make and dispose of. The more we consume, the more we contribute to global warming.

Recycle

Save the Earth's resources by recycling plastic, glass, paper and other items.

Insulate your home

This reduces the use of energy to cool or heat your house.

A lot of these steps save money, too. Who thought that helping the Earth could help our bank account, as well!

There is a lot to learn about climate change and global warming. If we all work together, we can reduce this phenomenon and leave the world a better place for future generations.