Contents
That’s it, our child is interested in more and more complex, abstract or scientific concepts, even if he is not yet able to understand everything. Here is a difficult question asked: what is global warming?
Whether or not one is an expert in the field, the difficulty lies in explaining this complex and multifactorial phenomenon to a child, with words and concepts that he is able to integrate. How to explain global warming to children, without frightening them or, on the contrary, making them indifferent?
Climate change: the importance of not denying the obvious
Climate change, climate change, global warming … Whatever the term used, the observation is the same, and unanimous within the scientific community : Earth’s climate has changed drastically over the past few decades, at unprecedented speed, largely due to human activities.
Therefore, and unless you are in a climate-skeptical logic and deny millions of solid scientific data, it is better do not minimize the phenomenon when talking to a child. Because he will grow in this world of upheavals, as long as he is prepared for these changes, and aware of the repercussions that will take place, at least for the human species.
Global warming: the concept of the greenhouse effect
For a child to fully understand the concept of global warming, it is important to explain, quickly and simply, what is the greenhouse effect. We regularly talk about greenhouse gases emitted by humans, so the very notion of the greenhouse effect is at the heart of the subject.
It is best to express yourself in simple words adapted to the age of the child, for example taking for example a garden greenhouse. The child understands, and maybe even already noticed, that it is hotter in a greenhouse than outside. It is the same principle for the Earth, where it is good thanks to the greenhouse effect. The planet is in fact surrounded by a layer of gas which helps to retain the heat of the sun. Without this layer of so-called “greenhouse” gas, it would be -18 ° C! If it is vital, this greenhouse effect can also be dangerous if it is too present. In the same way that grandfather’s (or neighbor’s) tomatoes would wither if it was too hot in the greenhouse, life on earth risks being threatened if temperatures rise too much, and too quickly.
For about 150 years, due to polluting human activities (transport, factories, intensive breeding, etc.), there have been more and more greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, ozone, etc.) which have been accumulating in our environment. atmosphere, say in the “bubble of protection” of the Planet. This accumulation causes an increase in average temperatures on the surface of the globe: it is global warming.
The important distinction between weather and climate
When talking about rising temperatures to a child, it is crucial, depending on his age of course, of him explain the difference between weather and climate. Otherwise, when winter comes, he is likely to tell you that you lied to him with your Global Warming stories!
Weather refers to the weather in a specific location at a specific time. It is a punctual and precise forecast. Climate refers to all the atmospheric and meteorological circumstances (humidity, precipitation, pressure, temperature, etc.) specific to a region, or, here, to an entire planet. It is considered that it takes about thirty years of observations of weather and atmospheric conditions to deduce the climate of a geographical area.
Clearly, climate change is not perceptible by humans from one day to the next, as can the weather. Climate change takes place over tens or even hundreds of years, although climate change is slowly starting to be noticeable on a human scale. Just because it was very cold this winter does not mean that the global climate is not warming up.
The world’s surface temperature may rise, according to the latest scientific estimates an additional 1,1 to 6,4 ° C over the XNUMXst century.
Global warming: quickly explain the concrete consequences
Once the phenomenon of global warming has been explained to children, it is important not to hide the consequences from them, always without dramatizing, by remaining factual.
The first, and arguably the most obvious, is rising sea level, in particular because of the melting ice present on Earth. Some islands and coastal towns disappeared, resulting in a high risk of penaberên avhewa. Warming oceans also increase the risk of bûyerên hewayê extreme (typhoons, cyclones, floods, heat waves, droughts….). People, but especially plants and animals, may not be able to adapt quickly enough. Many species are therefore in danger of disappearing. However, Man and the fragile balance of life depend in part on the existence of these species. We think in particular of bees and other pollinating insects, which allow plants to bear fruit.
However, if human life is likely to be strongly impacted, nothing says that life on Earth will disappear completely. It is therefore for humans and current living species that the situation will be more and more complicated.
Global warming: providing concrete solutions and setting an example for children
Explaining global warming to a child also means sharing solutions to fight against, or at least curb, this phenomenon. Otherwise the child risks feeling discouraged, depressed and completely helpless in the face of a phenomenon that is beyond him. We speak in particular of “eko-endîşe".
We can already explain that the various countries are committing (slowly, of course) to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, and that the fight against climate change is now considered a major issue.
Then, we can explain to him that it is up to everyone to change their lifestyle and consumption habits to preserve Planet Earth as we know it. It is the theory of small steps, or the hummingbird, which explains that everyone has their share of responsibility and their role to play in this constant struggle.
Sort your waste, walk, take the bike or public transport rather than the car, eat less meat, buy less packaged products and gradually adopt a zero waste approach, buy second-hand items when possible , prefer the shower to the bath, reduce the heating, save energy by switching off the devices on standby … There are a lot of little things to do that a child is very good at understanding and doing.
In this sense, the behavior of parents is essential, because it can give hope to children, who then see that it is possible to act on a daily basis against climate change, through “small steps” which, end to end – and if everyone is doing it – are already doing a lot.
Têbînî ku hebe many educational resources, small experiments and books on the internet, in bookstores and in children’s publishing houses which allow to approach the subject, to explain it or to deepen it. We should not hesitate to rely on these supports, especially if the subject of global warming affects us too much, if it worries us, if we do not feel legitimate to explain it or if we are afraid. to minimize it.
Çavkanî û agahiyên zêde:
http://www.momes.net/Apprendre/Societe-culture-generale/Le-developpement-durable/L-ecologie-expliquee-aux-enfants