Save Planet Earth

Pancham Y.
Pathways World School
New Delhi, India

Before you start reading this essay, make a promise to yourself that you will not just read it, you will also think about it and try to work to help the environment.

Some people think that climate change is not happening: are they right?

No, I think they are not right because evidence show that global temperatures have risen by 0.6 Celsius in the last 130 years, which is quite high as compared to earlier centuries. The main reason for the rise in temperature is the global warming.

Global warming is the warming up of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the greenhouse effect, which is caused by excessive release of gases like nitrogen, methane and carbon dioxide. These harmful gases form a barrier in the Earth’s atmosphere and prevent the reflection of sun’s rays, thus trapping the heat in the atmosphere. In recent times, humans have been burning so much fossil fuel that it is said to be the main cause of global warming.

Should we believe what politicians say - or are scientists more important?

I think that scientists are more important because their statements are always made after a lot of detailed research, whereas the politicians don’t present the facts in the right way. So whom do you want to trust is your own choice.

In recent years, there have been many instances of climate changes in various parts of the world like tornadoes, cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, floods, extreme hot and cold weathers. The scientists claim that all these are happening because of global warming.

Though it is not having any direct effect on us yet, if we don’t start solving this problem now, it can continue and have devastating effects in future.

How much do other problems in the world like war, poverty, and so on, depend on climate change?

In my opinion, the other problems in the world are directly or indirectly related to climate change. We must understand what could be the impacts of global warming. First of all, it could result in a rise in the sea level due to the melting of ice at the polar caps. It could lead to the sinking of coastal areas. If the climate of a particular place changes, it could affect the crops of that area. It could lead to poverty in that region. Scientists also predict that global warming will also cause more diseases. Also, some species will be in danger if the climate doesn’t suit them. Since it is a global problem, all the countries should contribute to solve this problem. If we cannot stop global warming altogether, we can at least slow down its rate.

I think some rich countries should contribute more towards this cause, because actually they are also more responsible for burning more fossil fuels. They should create more awareness among the poorer countries and tell them ways to deal with global warming.

Also, more young people should help with this because they have more time, energy and enthusiasm to work for the environment. The young should try to motivate the older people about the importance of this issue.

Here are some of the things which all of us can do to help the climate change.

The governments can encourage the use of renewable energy like solar power, wind power, geothermal power, hydro power and nuclear energy. People can adapt their lifestyles and help this cause.

• Plant more trees: Trees help to absorb the greenhouse gases.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle: follow the three Rs and stick to the nature’s resources.
• Solar energy: try to use solar power as much as you can, instead of electricity.
• Awareness: try to be aware of your environment and create awareness among others.
• Save electricity: switch off appliances when not in use.
• Bike, bus and walk: try using car pools, walk short distances, use bikes wherever possible.
• energy saving products: try buying energy saving products.
• Practice what you know: the most important thing is to practice what we know about saving our environment.

The importance of working for climate change can be understood by this simple example.

If you do not brush your teeth one day, then you will not notice any damage to your teeth but if you continue to avoid doing so, then one day you will find that your teeth are rotting. Similarly, we don’t notice any big changes in our climate each day but if we continue to ignore it, one day the weather change will seem dramatic.

I have tried to put my thoughts through a poem, as well.

Without the Global Warming,
The Earth will be so charming.
Without the greenhouse effect,
Our world will have so much benefit.
This climate change,
Can lead to a critical range.
The heat will melt the ice,
And the sea level will rise.
The coastal lands will sink,
And the world will start to shrink.
There will be change in vegetation zones,
People will be more disease-prone.
Then the world will come to a halt,
Just because of our fault.
So we must start ‘NOW’
But we should know ‘HOW’?
Grow more plantations,
And decrease the pollution.
With so much smoke,
The earth will choke.
Reduce, recycle and re-use,
Stop the environment abuse.
Small steps taken today,
Will go a long way.
Do little or do more,
But please make sure.
Practice what you know,
So that the future reaps what you sow.

Students' perspectives     India     Discuss this presentation     Previous     Next