Although scientists discovered global warming many years ago, we have yet to discover a solution to this problem. We have all heard the phrase “global warming,” but do we really know what it is?

Global warming refers to an average increase in the earth’s temperature and changes in climate. A warmer earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise in sea levels, and negative impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans.

Burning fossil fuels, like coal and oil, produces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that cause climate warming. Through the greenhouse effect, energy from the sun is trapped in the atmosphere. How does carbon dioxide affect the earth, and what can we do to change it? Too much carbon dioxide affects earth’s atmosphere, water, species, and lands. These changes to the environment have caused glaciers, or large sheets of ice, located at the polar ice caps, to melt at an accelerated rate, raising the sea level. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Sea level rise will affect both natural systems and man-made structures along coastlines. Coastal flooding could cause saltwater to flow into areas where salt is harmful, threatening plants and animals in those areas.”

What can we do to send less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere? To send less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the nations of the world should lessen coal combustion. We, as individuals could do the three R’s, reuse, reduce, and recycle. Reducing is even better than recycling because you don’t need to reprocess (which uses more energy) the item before it gets used again. If we remember the three R’s and reduce energy use, then global warming would be slowed down.

Remember, this earth is our home, the place where our ancestors have lived and where future generations will live. Let them have a better home to live in, instead of a place like garbage landfills, which are stinky, smelly, and filled with germs that can harm human health.

The phrase “to be, or not to be, that is the question” comes from William Shakespeare. Today, this phrase could be changed to “to do or not to do, this is the question.” The choice you make can make the earth a better or worse place. It’s up to you!