Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Climate change can cause extreme events like wildfires and floods.
How does climate change make you feel? The news of melting glaciers and oil spills may seem overwhelming and can make you feel angry, frightened, hopeless or upset. This is called climate anxiety. If you feel worried about what's happening to the world, good for you. It's normal to be upset when things you care about are getting hurt.
There are lots of things you can do to help adults take better care of the world. Turn your fear into power by doing something. Breaking the problem into bite-sized chunks is a good way to start. Think of something you feel passionate about, such as protecting ocean life or saving forests, and join a community group or charity that supports that cause. Local charities like Plastic Free Coast organize beach cleans, and the Rainforest Team has lots of planet-saving ideas, such as reducing food waste.
Positive action can inspire others too. Sisters Kim and Stella King from the charity Fights Against Plastic have picked up 90,000 pieces of plastic. They ask schools, businesses and organizations to follow their lead.
A. Why is there climate anxiety?
B. And it is a normal, healthy response.
C. This risks the lives of humans, animals and plants.
D. Remember, it's important to get support from people around.
E. No one can fix climate change on their own but we can all play a part.
F. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle.
G. So, tell friends and family what you're up to and encourage them to join in.
