Rahul has completed the next lesson on “Climate Change” and his sister Ramya came there to check on him.

Ramya: ” What are you doing Rahul?”

Rahul: “I was self-learning and practicing the book that dad gave me and I have learnt several things about climate change. Do you want to ask me questions? I will answer them.

Ramya: “Good Rahul! Of course I will help you. Give me the book”

Rahul: “Here you go”

Ramya: “Well the first question is, what is climate change?”

Rahul: “Statistically, changes in the measurements of climate molecules over a period of time are called climate change.”

Ramya: “Yes. Correct answer! Let me say this more clearly. That is, ‘climate change’ is the unusual change in climate elements such as precipitation, temperature, wind, etc., globally or regionally.

Well the next question! What are the two main causes of climate change?”

Rahul: “Natural Factors and Human Activities. Akka, it was natural factors in the early days that influenced climate change, but I have learned that human activities play a major role in climate change today.”

Ramya: “Yes Rahul you read that right. Natural factors such as solar radiation impacts global climate change, Earth’s orbit change, volcanic eruptions, sea level rise, greenhouse effect, etc. Consumption of excessive resources, burning of biofuels, deforestation, composting and dumping of agricultural wastes by human beings also causes climate change.

Next question! List the impacts of climate change.”

Rahul: “Okay sister. Let me answer.

• Change in rainfall – Global warming may change wetlands into arid zones, as well as arid zones into wet zones. Globally, drought-affected areas have been on the rise since the 1970s. This is due to the declining rainfall.
• Temperature elevation – Global warming is caused by the Earth’s atmospheric temperature and causes significant impact.
• Ice melts – As the temperature rises the ice melts from a solid state to a liquid state.
• Sea level rise – Many coastal wetlands are being submerged today due to sea level rise.
• Decreased biodiversity – Animals that cannot tolerate heat waves as the temperature rises continuously.
• Spread of diseases – As the temperature rises, parasites, viruses, and bacteria thrive.
• Natural Disasters – Natural disasters such as droughts, hurricanes and floods are more likely to occur as a result of rising temperatures.
• Changes in human consciousness – As the temperature rises it physiologically create different effects on humans.
• Fishing vulnerability.
• Impact of agricultural activities.
• Dehydration of water bodies.
• Increase in heat-related mortality risk

Ramya: “Very good. Rahul, let me ask you the next question.

Outline measures to mitigate climate change.”

Rahul: “The main contributor to climate change is the increase in the temperature of the climate molecule. Therefore, the massive impacts of climate change can be prevented by controlling the influence of temperature increase.

Measures to be taken to reduce climate change in that regard are:

• Planting plants
• Use of energy saving equipment
• Develop and use renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind, ocean wave, water, etc., instead of using biofuels.
• Reducing motor vehicle use.
• Recycling
• Build more awareness among youngsters

The effects of climate change can be avoided by carrying out such activities. Am I right sister?”

Ramya: “Yes, very right. Now please do the exercises given in this lesson. I will correct them and teach the next lesson.”

Rahul: “Sister! Thanks for helping me! I’m doing it right now.”