By Vijay Laxman Jadhav (Winner)
Introduction
The Earth is our home. It gives us air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and a place to live. But today, our home is in danger. Our environment is changing. The air is becoming dirtier, forests are being cut down, and the weather is becoming more extreme. This change is called climate change, and it affects every living thing on the planet — animals, plants, and humans.
As a 10th standard student, I have learned that we all must take care of the Earth. Understanding the environment and climate change is the first step toward protecting our future. In this article, I will explain what environment and climate change mean, why they are important, what is causing the problem, and what we can do to save our planet.
Chapter 1: What is the Environment?
The environment is everything around us — the air, water, land, animals, plants, and even other people. It is the natural world in which we live. It provides us with all the things we need to survive, like oxygen, clean water, soil to grow food, and energy from the sun.
There are two types of environment:
Natural Environment: This includes mountains, rivers, forests, oceans, animals, and natural resources like coal, oil, and sunlight.
Man-made Environment: These are things humans have created, like buildings, roads, cars, factories, and technology.
The environment works like a big machine, where everything is connected. If we disturb one part of it, the whole system can suffer.
Chapter 2: What is Climate Change?
Climate is the usual weather in a place over a long period of time — like hot summers, cold winters, or rainy seasons.
Climate change means long-term changes in this usual weather. It includes:
Rising temperatures (called global warming)
Melting glaciers and rising sea levels
More floods, droughts, and storms
Changing rainfall patterns
Scientists have found that the Earth is warming faster than ever before. This is because of human activities, especially burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas.
Chapter 3: Causes of Climate Change
There are many causes of climate change, but most of them are related to human activities. Here are the main ones:
1. Burning Fossil Fuels: We burn coal, oil, and gas to make electricity, run vehicles, and power factories. This releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other harmful gases into the air. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth to warm.
2. Deforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give us oxygen. When we cut down forests for farming, buildings, or wood, we remove nature’s best air purifier.
3. Industrial Pollution: Factories release smoke and chemicals into the air, rivers, and soil. This not only pollutes the environment but also adds to the greenhouse effect.
4. Agriculture: Farming releases methane (a powerful greenhouse gas), especially from rice fields and cattle. Fertilizers also release harmful gases into the atmosphere.
5. Waste and Plastic Pollution: Dumping waste in open areas, rivers, and oceans harms the environment. Burning plastic and garbage also releases toxic gases.
Chapter 4: Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is already affecting the planet in many dangerous ways. Here are some examples:
1. Global Warming: The Earth’s average temperature has increased by more than 1°C in the last century. This may seem small, but it has huge effects.
2. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels: Glaciers in the Arctic and Antarctic are melting. This causes sea levels to rise, which can flood coastal areas and islands.
3. Natural Disasters: Floods, cyclones, wildfires, and droughts are becoming more common and stronger because of climate change. Many people lose their homes and lives.
4. Loss of Biodiversity: Animals and plants are unable to adapt to rapid climate changes. Many species are becoming extinct, and forests and coral reefs are dying.
5. Impact on Human Health: Heatwaves, water shortages, and air pollution can lead to serious health problems, like asthma, allergies, and dehydration. Diseases spread faster in warmer temperatures.
Chapter 5: Impact in India
India is one of the countries most affected by climate change. We have seen:
More heatwaves in states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan
Floods in Assam, Kerala, and Uttarakhand
Droughts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
Melting glaciers in the Himalayas
Rising sea levels near Mumbai and Kolkata
Farmers face water shortages, and crops fail due to changing weather. Poor people suffer the most because they cannot afford air-conditioning, clean water, or healthcare.
Chapter 6: What Can We Do? (Solutions)
Even though climate change is a big problem, we can still fix it — if we all work together. Here are some ways:
Use Renewable Energy: Instead of coal and oil, we can use solar, wind, and hydro power. These are clean and do not pollute the environment.
Plant More Trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and cool the Earth. We should plant trees in schools, homes, and public places.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Use less plastic.
Reuse bags, bottles, and clothes.
Recycle paper, glass, and metal.
Save Electricity: Switch off lights and fans when not needed. Use energy-saving bulbs and appliances.
Walk or Cycle: Use bicycles or walk for short distances instead of using cars or bikes. It saves fuel and reduces pollution.
Say No to Firecrackers: Firecrackers pollute the air and harm animals. Celebrate festivals in eco-friendly ways.
Spread Awareness: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors. Organize school campaigns and rallies. Every voice matters.
Chapter 7: Role of Students
As students, we have a big role to play. We are the future. Here’s what we can do:
Learn about the environment and share knowledge
Take part in eco-clubs, tree plantations, and cleanliness drives
Make projects, posters, and essays on climate change
Use social media to spread awareness
Make small changes in daily life
Even simple steps like carrying a water bottle, saying no to plastic straws, and switching off lights make a big difference.
Chapter 8: Government and Global Action
Governments around the world are also working on climate change. Some major steps include:
The Paris Agreement: Countries promised to reduce carbon emissions.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: A campaign in India to clean streets and toilets.
National Solar Mission: Promotes solar energy in India.
Afforestation Programs: Planting trees and saving forests.
But governments cannot do everything alone. People, companies, and students must help too.
Chapter 9: A Message to the World
Imagine a future where the sky is always blue, rivers are clean, forests are green, and the air is fresh. Where animals roam freely, and people live in peace with nature. This future is possible, but only if we act now.
If we ignore climate change, the Earth will become hotter, storms will be stronger, and water will become scarce. But if we act with love and responsibility, we can build a greener and safer world.
Conclusion
The environment is not just a subject in our textbooks – it is our life. Climate change is real, and it affects all of us. But we are not helpless. Every drop of water saved, every tree planted, and every light turned off matters.
Let us be the generation that saved the Earth. Let us protect our environment, fight climate change, and create a better world for ourselves and future generations.
Because there is no Planet B. 🌍
