Global warming and climate change are occurring due to greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere. This is causing sea levels to rise, polar ice caps to melt, and temperatures to increase. Acid rain is damaging trees and eroding stone due to air pollution from vehicles and factories. The ozone layer, which protects the Earth from UV rays, is being depleted by chemicals from aerosols and refrigerants. We must take steps like planting trees, recycling, using renewable energy, and reducing consumption to help address these environmental problems and work towards a greener future.

1. SAVE THE EARTH

2. We have to take care of the Earth.The future is in our hands.

3. Global warming and climate changeSunlight reaches the Earth through the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop some of the sun’s heat from escaping. This keeps the Earth warm. Pollution in the atmosphere also traps heat, and the consequence is global warming.Because of this, the seas are rising, the polar caps are melting, and the temperatures are higher.

4. Acid RainAcid rain can eat through stone and metal. It has accelerated the natural weathering process of this scarred stone angel's face.

5. Smoke and chemicals from cars and factories pollute rain, causing acid rain.

6. These are some trees damaged by acid rain.Ozone depletionOzone protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful rays. However, this protective layer is disappearing. Some chemicals in aerosols and fridges create holes in the ozone layer, slowly destroying it.From September 21-30, 2006 the average area of the ozone hole was the largest ever observed, at 10.6 million square miles (27.5 million square kilometers). This image, from September 24, the Antarctic ozone hole was equal to the record single-day largest area of 11.4 million square miles (29.5 million square kilometers), reached on Sept. 9, 2000. Satellite instruments monitor the ozone layer, and we use their data to create the images that depict the amount of ozone. The blue and purple colors are where there is the least ozone, and the greens, yellows, and reds are where there is more ozone

7. What can we do?It’s our world!Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Respect- ReactSmall steps can make a huge difference.Go GreenWe all need to work together to protect the environment.

8. Plant a treeWe can plant a tree. The tree that you plant will absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

9. RecycleWe can recycle to save natural resources. Use the recycling bins and do not throw everything to the ordinary rubbish bin.

10. Shop smartWhen you go to buy something, look at all your options, try to buy environmentally friendly products.

11. WalkYou could walk, ride a bicycle or take public transport instead of driving.

12. Save energyUse light/lamps when needed to save energy.

13. Save waterTake showers rather than baths.Turn the faucet/tap off while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, doing dishes and so on.

14. Use renewable energiesRenewable energy is energy which comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.