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Does anybody care?

So far it’s been all bad news but there is good news too! Unlike many things that happen to our climate, such as hurricanes and tidal waves, global warming is something we can try to stop.

You now know that the main cause of global warming is too many greenhouse gases being made. Governments around the world have agreed to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases made each year. In the UK, our Government has done various things. Some of these are listed below.

1. They are looking at different ways of making electricity

• Scientists have found ways to make sure that no energy is wasted when gas and coal is burnt to make electricity. This means that no more carbon dioxide is produced than necessary.
• Another way is to make electricity in ways that don’t use coal or gas and so carbon dioxide isn’t made at all. Some examples of this are using the Sun (this is called solar power) and using the wind (like in windmills).

2. They are also looking at ways to make sure we don’t waste electricity

• They are encouraging businesses to use less electricity.
• They are giving people advice on how they can reduce the amount of electricity used in their homes.

3. They are trying to cut down on the amount of carbon dioxide produced by cars

• Cars are being made which will use less petrol than before and give out less carbon dioxide.
• The Government is trying to improve buses and trains so more people use them rather than cars.

Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide we make is not something that the Government can do on its own. It needs the help of the people who run power stations, businesses, people who make cars and, most importantly, people like you.