Do you believe in climate change?

I believe in climate change, and the world around us is showing signs of it.  The polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate and weather conditions around the world are changing.  Scientists believe that is it continues, water levels will rise and the countries close to the sea will disappear due to flooding.

Winter weather is wetter and colder than in previous years and summers are becoming drier and hotter in many countries around the world, leading to extremes of flooding and drought.  Storms are becoming increasingly more violent in the UK. Cases of skin cancer are also rising due to an increase of ultraviolet radiation.  It is a nonsense that some articles dare to claim that it isn’t happening.  Species and habitats are disappearing! 

Ultraviolet radiation is normally controlled by a substance called ozone, which is found in the atmosphere around the earth, but since the early 1980's scientists have found that the ozone is being damaged, allowing more radiation to reach the earth's surface.  Damage to the ozone has been caused by chlorofluorocarbons, which are present in many household items, as these are broken up by UV radiation creating chlorine which attacks the ozone molecules.

Countries around the world are now looking to reduce emissions of CFC's by introducing new forms of energy generation like solar panels and wind turbines, also trying to reduce emissions from cars by designing new electric cars.  It is hoped that it will have the effect of returning the ozone layers to there normal levels in the next 50 – 60 years. 

Until this time, for your own safety protect yourself by limiting your exposure to the sun by using a high UV factor sun cream, wearing a sun hat and avoid going out in the sun during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest.  Also for the sake of the future of earth and its environment, consider your actions and the effect that they will have on the earth.

By Hannah and Sarah

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