In Albany we use a lot of energy. What is energy? What things can you think of that use energy? We want to reduce our energy usage as much as possible.

Why is this important?

The sun warms us and gives us light during the day.

At night, and during the colder months, we need light and warmth from other sources…

…. and we also need heat for cooking.

Since early times, people have used fires for heat and cooking but they make smoke and are not really suitable in modern times.

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The electricity which we use is mostly made by burning coal or gas in power stations.

And our central heating boilers usually burn gas or oil.

The trouble is, this makes lots of ‘greenhouse’ gases which scientists believe are warming up the Earth and the air around it. Why is this a problem? Do you know what this is called?

The ice in the arctic is melting, and the polar bears’ habitat is shrinking.

In some hot countries, there is less rain, and rivers are drying up.

In places the land is becoming so dry that the farmers can no longer grow crops.

So what can YOU do to stop global warming?

You can turn off the lights when you don’t need them!

You can use energy saving light bulbs

Try not to have the heating on too much, or have it on very low If you can, set the clock so that it is on for less time.

Remind everyone to keep the doors and windows shut when the heating is on, to keep the warmth in.

If you, or an adult, need to put the kettle on fill it only with the amount of water that is needed. That way it will take less energy to bring it to the boil.

Remember when you are cooking to put lids on the saucepans to keep the heat in while the food is cooking.

Switch off! Don’t leave it on standby! If you can see a light like this when the TV is off, it is using almost as much energy as if it was on!