What is climate change and global warming? Have you noticed anything unusual in the weather and seasons in recent years? Talk to your grandparents and ask them if they think weather patterns have changed since they were your age. !
Climate change is a change in our weather patterns that is occurring over a long period of time, and in the last few decades this change has been mainly caused by human activities. Increased pollution from factories, cars, deforestation and a range of human activities causes the release of so called ‘greenhouse gases’ which form a blanket surrounding the earth trapping in the sun’s heat, just like it gets hot in a greenhouse. As a result average temperatures around the world have already increased. This ‘global warming’ in turn is responsible for climate change around the world. Temperatures are higher, causing more drought and disease; polar ice is melting causing sea levels to rise; the ocean is warming affecting sea life; seasons are changing making storms stronger and more frequent. !!
Deforestation is responsible for up to 20% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Why? Burning or cutting trees releases lots of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. On the other hand, trees actually absorb carbon dioxide. Less trees, less pollution filters!
Energy supply and transport are the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Most energy is still made out of burning coal, wood and fossil fuels that releases lots of harmful gases.
More than 60% of working population in Asia still rely on agriculture, fishery and forestry for their livelihood which is the sector most vulnerable to changes in the climate.
W hat can we do? In our lifestyles and work, we need to ensure that our actions and behaviour are environmentally friendly and sustainable; and we need to learn skills on how to cope better with the negative impacts of climate change.
W hat a re G reen S kills? Green skills give people the knowledge and ability to live and work in an environmentally friendly way, regardless of the type of job they have or where they live. People can learn green skills through their communities, their schools or in their jobs. Green skills can include: Recycling waste so we use less energy to produce more things and don’t hurt the environment with mountains of garbage. Agricultural techniques that protect soil moisture and are less harmful for the environment. Planting different varieties of crops at the same time so you can better deal with any changes in temperatures and rainfall - this is called crop diversification.
What are Green Jobs? Green jobs are jobs that contribute to preserving or restoring the sustainable environment, this can be by adopting environmental friendly practices within any existing industries such as agriculture or manufacturing, as well as working directly in new ‘green sectors’, such as renewable energy (energy generate from the sun, wind, hydro-power). Green jobs can include: W ildlife conservation Eco-tourism W ater treatment engineering Solar power technician Organic farming
How can I get involved?
Go Online
There is a lot of information about climate change and green jobs available online. Check out http://weadapt.org and http://www.apgreenjobs.il o.org to find out more.
2014 Plan International and The Research Base
Involve your Community What can you do together to prepare better for disaster and reduce the risk? How can you work together to make the community cleaner and protect its natural resources such as water and clean air?
Talk to your Teachers
Talk to your Employer
Schools are the best place for young people to learn about the environment and to develop green skills. Talk to your teachers and get them involved in sharing their knowledge too!
Explain to your employer about how they can save the environment AND save money by supporting green practices at the workplace. It’s good for business!