Climate Change for Kids
Earth has warmed over the past 100 years. But
why? And how? The Earth could be getting
warmer on its own, but many of the world’s
leading climate scientists think that things
people do are also making the Earth warmer.
What is the difference between
global warming and climate
change?
Global warming refers to an average increase in the Earth’s
temperature, due to a build-up of greenhouse gases (ghg) in
the atmosphere. This in turn causes changes in the climate. A
warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise
in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife,
and humans.
Climate change is a broader term that refers to long-term
changes in climate, including average temperature and
precipitation.
So, what’s the big deal?
Sometimes little things can turn into big things.
For example, if we don’t brush our teeth for one day, chances
are nothing bad will happen. But if we don’t brush our teeth
for one month, we may develop a cavity. It’s the same thing
with global temperatures.
When scientists talk about the issue of climate change, their
concern is about global warming caused by human activities.
If temperatures rise above normal levels for a few days, it’s
no big deal—the Earth will stay more or less the same. But if
temperatures continue to rise over a longer period of time, the
Earth may experience some problems.
What causes global warming?
There are already some changes happening. Sea level is rising
and some animals are already moving to new homes.
Scientists agree that the burning of fossil fuels like oil and
coal cause greenhouse gases to escape into the air and that
these gases are causing most of the warming.
Many greenhouse gases come from things we do every day
that use energy:
•The lights in our house use electricity.
•The TV and computer use electricity.
•The washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer use gas or
electricity.
•Every time we ride in the car, it uses gas.
Another cause is deforestation (cutting down trees). Trees
soak up carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases, from
the air.
If the warming gets worse, as scientists expect, there may be
more changes:
•Some kinds of plants and animals may become extinct
(disappear completely). because they can’t move to new
homes.
•There may be more storms and floods.
•Sea level may continue to rise. Those who live by water may
need to move away from the coasts.
•Areas may become too dry for farming.
•The number of very hot days may increase.
•Health may be impacted by air pollution, changes in food or
water supplies, and flooding.
What can you and your family do?
Fun websites to explore:
Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many
little things we can do to help:
Campsite 24 (Ontario Parks)
Games, crafts, and classroom materials.
www.campsite24.ca
•Walk, bike, or take a bus instead of driving.
EcoKids Club (Earth Day Canada)
Curriculum-linked materials and activities.
www.ecokids.ca
•Turn off lights and TV when leaving a room.
•Turn down the heat overnight.
•Plant trees to help remove ghg from the air.
Global Warming Kids Net
Games, videos, quizzes and more.
www.globalwarmingkids.net
•Choose locally grown food.
•Grow your own food like herbs and tomatoes
•Buy things made nearby, instead of things shipped from far
away.
•Buy recycled and recyclable products.
•Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
•Fix stuff. Repair broken items instead of buying new things.
•Reuse things instead of throwing away.
Environmental Protection Agency
Games, links, and stuff for teachers.
www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids
Pew Centre
Questions, answers, tips, and links.
www.pewclimate.org/global-warming-basics/kidspage.cfm
Public Health School Asthma Project
Creating asthma friendly schools.
www.asthmainschools.com
•Give old clothes to someone who needs them.
•Have a garage sale.
•Read about the environment. Ask a teacher or librarian for
book suggestions.
Asthma Society of Canada
www.asthmakids.ca
•Write on both sides of each sheet of paper.
The Lung Association of Ontario
www.kidsasthma.ca
•Recycle everything you can: paper, aluminum cans,
cardboard, plastic, glass, magazines, and junk mail.
•Protect local woodlands, green spaces, creeks, and wildlife.
•Ask your friends to do the same!
Conservation Halton
www.conservationhalton.ca
Royal Botanical Gardens
www.rbg.ca
A Farewell to Featherwagons (Halton Region)
Illustrated picture book and storytelling kit.
www.halton.ca/featherwagons
www.halton.ca/toolsforschools
For more information:
Air Quality and Climate Change Tools for Schools
A one-stop-shop to help schools access air quality/climate
change data and resources.
www.halton.ca/toolsforschools
For more information, contact
Halton Region
Dial 311 or 905-825-6000
Toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866)
TTY 905-827-9833
www.halton.ca
Health Department
Promoting and Protecting Health.
Preventing Disease. Providing EMS.
HE-11042