What is Global Warming? Let’s Find Out!
What is global warming? It’s a big change that’s affecting our whole planet. Global warming means the Earth is getting hotter over time. This happens when too many greenhouse gases trap heat in the air. While a warm Earth helps us live, too much heat can cause problems for people, animals, and nature.
🌞 How Does the Greenhouse Effect Cause Global Warming?
Think of Earth like a big greenhouse. Sunlight comes in and warms the planet. Some of the heat goes back into space, but some stays trapped by gases in the air. These gases are called greenhouse gases.
Example:
Imagine wearing a warm coat on a cold day. Your coat keeps you warm by trapping your body heat. Greenhouse gases act like Earth’s coat — they keep the planet warm. But too many of these gases make Earth too hot, and that’s global warming.
Learn more with this reading passage:
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
🔥 5 Main Causes of the Greenhouse Effect
- Burning Fossil Fuels
Cars, buses, and power plants burn fuels like gas and coal, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂). - Cutting Down Trees
Trees take in CO₂. Fewer trees mean more CO₂ in the air. - Farming
Farm animals like cows produce methane, another greenhouse gas. - Factories
Factories release harmful gases that trap heat. - Trash in Landfills
Rotting garbage makes methane, which adds to global warming.
🌡️ What Happens Because of Global Warming?
Global warming leads to:
- Melting Ice Caps 🧊 – Sea levels rise.
- Stronger Storms ⛈️ – More floods and hurricanes.
- Animal Habitat Loss 🐧 – Animals like polar bears lose their homes.
- Hotter Temperatures ☀️ – More heatwaves and wildfires.
Read more here:
How might climate change affect animals?
🌱 How Planting Trees Helps
Trees absorb CO₂, one of the main greenhouse gases. Planting more trees helps reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, combating global warming.
Discover more:
🔗 How can planting trees help fight climate change?