GLOBAL WARMING

This is an article I wrote that was published in Gulf News- a newspaper in UAE. This was written when I was 13 years old.


While most of us would like to think that we aren't a part of the problem, the fact is that if you drive one of the many vehicles on the road, you are contributing to global warming.

Global warming is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's air and oceans, which is a big threat to the future of the world. Everywhere you turn, there is something describing the dangers of global warming. We have finally begun to realise the effect we are having on the planet but, unfortunately, as far as I know no one has been trying to reduce it by recycling or reducing. No one seems to be worried about the future. We aren't looking ahead at how all this could affect future generations and because of that, the planet is going to be in trouble. So why are we waiting to be blamed?

Prevention is always better than cure. Global warming has started and there isn't a way to stop it. All we can do now is reduce it as much as possible but it's a shame that no one is seriously considering ways to do that.

Do your part

People may think that it is impossible to live without air conditioners here because of the heat, especially in the summer. But I think that people can find ways to cool down. However, they wouldn't be able to do that if global warming reaches its peak.

Here are some other things that everyone can do to help reduce global warming:

- Reduce, re-use and recycle, the triple R's. It seems easy to do, so why aren't people doing that? By recycling half of their household waste, people can safe up to approximately 1,088 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide annually.

- Drive less. When you drive less, you emit fewer emissions. Other than saving fuel, walking and biking are great forms of exercise.

- Turn appliances off. When you leave a room, turn off un-used lights as well as appliances such as the television, stereo and computer. If you're not using them, then they shouldn't be plugged in.

- Plant a tree. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide throughout its lifetime.

The final thing that everyone can do is spread the message about global warming and its consequences. That way when people are aware, they can find ways to reduce the carbon dioxide levels before it's too late. It's the least we could do for our poor Earth.