DiaryWhat is Climate Change? Explained for Kids
Michelle Parkes ·
Climate change can sound like a big, grown-up topic. But ask a class of children what happens when you wrap up in too many blankets on a warm night, and they already understand how it works. Here's everything kids (and teachers!) need to know, explained simply.
So, what IS climate change?
Climate change is a long-term change in Earth's weather patterns and temperatures. Today it's mainly caused by people burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas, which release gases that trap heat and make our planet warmer.
The climate has changed naturally many times over millions of years. What's different now is how fast it's happening, and that humans are the main cause.
Weather vs climate: what's the difference?
Weather is what's happening outside right now. Is it sunny? Rainy? Windy? Weather changes from day to day, and even hour to hour.
Climate is the usual weather in a place over a long time, usually 30 years or more. A simple way to remember it: weather is what you decide to wear today, but climate is all the clothes in your wardrobe.
So one cold day doesn't mean climate change isn't happening. Scientists look at the whole wardrobe, not just one outfit!
What causes climate change?
Earth is wrapped in a layer of gases called the atmosphere. Some of these gases, like carbon dioxide, act like a cosy blanket. They trap some of the sun's heat and keep our planet warm enough for plants, animals and people to live. This is called the greenhouse effect, and we need it!
The problem is that the blanket is getting thicker. When we burn coal, oil and gas to power cars, factories and homes, we release extra carbon dioxide into the air. Cutting down forests makes it worse too, because trees soak up carbon dioxide as they grow.
With a thicker blanket, more heat gets trapped, and Earth gets warmer.
How is climate change affecting our planet?
- Melting ice: glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking. Between 1993 and 2019, Greenland lost around 279 billion tons of ice every year.
- Rising seas: as ice melts and warm water expands, sea levels rise. Global sea level rose about 20 cm in the last century, and it's now rising almost twice as fast.
- Wilder weather: heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms are becoming stronger and more frequent in many places.
- Animals on the move: polar bears, walruses and narwhals depend on sea ice, and many other animals and plants are struggling to adapt to warmer homes. Watch Wilfred Walrus explain why the Arctic matters in our Pet Ice Cube video.
How can children help?
Every small action adds up, especially when lots of people do it together.
- Switch it off: turn off lights, TVs and chargers when you're not using them.
- Walk, cycle or scoot to school when you can, instead of going by car.
- Waste less: reuse, repair and recycle, and try not to waste food.
- Plant something: trees and plants soak up carbon dioxide, and flowers help bees too.
- Spread the word: tell your family and friends what you've learnt. Being a changemaker starts with sharing!
The good news
People all over the world are working hard to tackle climate change. More and more of our electricity now comes from clean, renewable energy like sun and wind power, and the UK leads the world in offshore wind. Find out more in our fun facts about renewable energy for kids.
Keep exploring
- Test what you've learnt with our Climate Change Quiz
- Discover Global Goal 13: Climate Action
- Read: What is Biodiversity? Explained for Children
- Read: The Rainforest: The World's Largest Medicine Cabinet
Climate Change FAQs
What is climate change in simple words?
Climate change is a long-term change in Earth's weather patterns and temperatures. Today it's mainly caused by people burning coal, oil and gas, which release gases that trap heat and make the planet warmer.
What causes climate change?
Gases like carbon dioxide act like a blanket around Earth, trapping the sun's heat. Burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests add more of these gases, making the blanket thicker and the planet warmer.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is what's happening outside today, like rain or sunshine. Climate is the usual weather in a place over a long time, usually 30 years or more.
How does climate change affect animals?
Animals like polar bears, walruses and narwhals depend on sea ice, which is melting as the planet warms. Many other animals and plants are struggling to adapt as their homes get warmer.
How can kids help stop climate change?
Kids can switch off lights and chargers, walk or cycle instead of going by car, reuse and recycle, plant trees and flowers, and tell their friends and family what they've learnt.
