2. Every month throughout 2013 we have seen effects of climate change Typhoon in Philippians Tornados in America Fires in Los Angeles and Australia Gale force winds and hurricanes in Ireland and England Drought in Africa All these unusual weather patterns are signs of climate change

3. What is Climate change? Climate change is the average weather at a given point and time of year. Climate change also refers to changes in weather patterns and these changes include temperature, rainfall, winds and other factors

4. What causes climate change? We are living in a new era. As world industries grow they are using more coal, electricity and gas to supply the world with power and everyday products. We all produce more Co2. We all contribute to global warming and climate change.

5. Co2 and the Greenhouse Effect

6. Sunlight enters the Earth’s atmosphere, passing through a blanket of greenhouse gases

7. As it reaches the earth’s surface, the land and water absorbs the sunlight’s energy.

8. Once absorbed, the energy is sent back into the atmosphere in the form of infra-red rays.

9. Some of the energy passes back into space, but much of it remains trapped in the atmosphere by the greenhouse gases, causing our planet Earth to warm up.

10. This warming is what we call Global Warming, and it is caused by the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would not be warm enough for humans to live. But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming of the earth may cause problems for humans, plants and animals.Some people think that this might be good for Ireland but there could be big problems for Mediterranean countries.

11. Effects of climate change Climate change is an effect of global warming Global warming causes ice to melt in icy regions and on mountain tops Melted water flows into streams, rivers, lakes and seas This causes the levels of sea water to rise We are seeing more extreme weather patterns Changes in the lives and habitats of plants and animals See our pictures on the next slide

12. Effects of Climate Change

13. What can I do? Reduce your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is the sum of your carbon emissions Travel by bus or carpool to school and work Walk. Whenever possible, don’t drive but be safe Plant trees- A great way to reduce greenhouse gases. As trees grow they help to stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air storing it in trees and soil and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere Reduce, Reuse, Recycle items. Look for the recycled mark when shopping. This mark means that the plastic, paper, cardboard and cans have been produced from recycled materials Turn off all lights and appliances when they are not needed

14. What can governments do? In 1997 Kyoto in Japan, Canada and 160 industrialized nations promised to reduce their greenhouse gases This was known as the Kyoto Agreement. We need all countries in the world to make a definite commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The temperature of the earth is rising and this will affect all our lives

15. What else can be done ?

16.  Doing nothing about a problem can make it worse.  Learn about climate change and share information with others.  Join a group and set good example for others.  Put pressure on Government Leaders to do something.  Act Now!