Why should we understand climate change?

All grown-ups tell kids to clean up after they play, and to leave things as they found them.  I think that we should use the same rule for the planet too. We need to leave this planet clean and healthy, so life can thrive on it for many more years. To take care of our planet, we need to first understand the factors that affect our planet, and learn more about  them.  One major factor is the change in climate.

Changes in climate have been happening since the beginning of the planet. Naturally, these changes would take place over thousands of years, but because of recent human activity changes have been happening within our life time.  When changes happen slowly, organisms learn to adapt to the changes and survive through the changing conditions. But with these recent, drastic changes in climate, ecosystems are not able to adapt fast enough. If we keep continuing  on this same path, this planet may not be able to sustain life for millions of years.

If recent human activity is a main contributor for the increase in greenhouse gases, and could cause such drastic effects, then we need to understand our actions and their consequences. I asked myself if I wanted to be the change and bring positive impact, and it occurred to me that this should not even be a choice, but my responsibility towards this planet.

There are also many controversies and speculation involving climate change.  This really puzzled me because I could not understand how people could not believe in something that has so much evidence behind it.  Because of all these conflicting information it is hard for kids to understand and obtain unbiased information.

I realized that the best way is to find the answers ourselves, by doing our own science experiments and explorations. We also have to learn how to question science, and debate it, challenge the data, which would not only help us in understanding the topic better, but also we would be able to identify false experiments.

If humans have caused an increase in greenhouse gases, then we can certainly reduce it too. It is not impossible. Look at all the plants, and the coral in the ocean; they use carbon dioxide as raw material, whereas we are pumping excessive carbon dioxide into the air. Let’s learn from nature and reduce our carbon footprint.

About the Author:
Pavan is 12 years old, founder of non-profit organization, Green Kids Now, Inc., founder of Green Kids Conference, Official Biomimicry Youth Speaker, and an International reporter for Primary Perspectives radio Show.

Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.