In 2007, floods, fires, droughts and unusual weather patterns occurred around the world. In addition, many species of animals and plants are nearing extinction because of global warming. Here are some examples of global warming in action:
DISAPPEARING RAINFOREST: Scientists reported that 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest could disappear or be severely damaged by global warming as early as 2030. The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s largest “carbon sinks,” places that absorb carbon dioxide.
The damage to the rainforest could cause the release of 50-100 billion extra tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
WALRUSES DIE IN STAMPEDE: Last summer, as many as 4,000 Pacific walruses were killed in a stampede. Many were crushed by other walruses, who were trying to climb onto an overcrowded shore. The shore was overcrowded because the sea ice on which the walruses usually sit had disappeared due to higher summer temperatures.
CORAL REEFS DYING: Nearly all of the world’s coral reefs, which are plant-like animals that live on the ocean floor, could be dead by 2050 due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. The gases are absorbed by the ocean water, making it too acidic for corals to grow.
BYE, BYE BIRDIES: Almost a third of all land birds could go extinct in the next 100 years because of global warming.
NOT SO HAPPY FEET: At least four species of Antarctica’s penguins are threatened because of melting sea ice and a lack of fish. Antarctica is warming five times faster than other places on earth.
YOUR TURN! What do you think should be done about global warming? E-mail IndyKids at
indykids@indymedia.org, or write to: P.O. Box 1417, New York, NY 10276.
DISAPPEARING RAINFOREST: Scientists reported that 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest could disappear or be severely damaged by global warming as early as 2030. The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s largest “carbon sinks,” places that absorb carbon dioxide.
The damage to the rainforest could cause the release of 50-100 billion extra tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
WALRUSES DIE IN STAMPEDE: Last summer, as many as 4,000 Pacific walruses were killed in a stampede. Many were crushed by other walruses, who were trying to climb onto an overcrowded shore. The shore was overcrowded because the sea ice on which the walruses usually sit had disappeared due to higher summer temperatures.
CORAL REEFS DYING: Nearly all of the world’s coral reefs, which are plant-like animals that live on the ocean floor, could be dead by 2050 due to rising levels of greenhouse gases. The gases are absorbed by the ocean water, making it too acidic for corals to grow.
BYE, BYE BIRDIES: Almost a third of all land birds could go extinct in the next 100 years because of global warming.
NOT SO HAPPY FEET: At least four species of Antarctica’s penguins are threatened because of melting sea ice and a lack of fish. Antarctica is warming five times faster than other places on earth.
YOUR TURN! What do you think should be done about global warming? E-mail IndyKids at
indykids@indymedia.org, or write to: P.O. Box 1417, New York, NY 10276.
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