What do we mean by global warming? What does it mean, how does it work and why does it matter? Here is your chance to make your own film or animation to explain the greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse Effect
The earth gets energy from the sun through sunlight that passes through the atmosphere that surrounds the earth. The earth’s surface absorbs this energy. This is how the earth warms up. Then the earth releases this energy as ‘infra- red radiation’ back into space. This is how the earth cools down again.
Some of this infrared radiation cannot pass through the atmosphere. This is because it is absorbed by ‘greenhouse gases’ in the atmosphere. This radiation is sent back to the earth and heats it up. This works like a greenhouse: sunlight comes in, but not all of it can go out again. This is how a greenhouse – and the earth – stay warm even if the sun is not shining. Without these gases, it would be very cold on earth because the atmosphere wouldn’t hold onto the sun’s heat energy.
There are several gases that absorb infrared radiation. The most important one is carbon dioxide. Others are methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour.
In the last few decades, the layer of greenhouse gases has become thicker and thicker because more greenhouse gases have been released into the atmosphere, so more and more heat is trapped inside. This means that the average temperature on earth is rising.
Find out more about the greenhouse effect from NASA Climate Kids.
A live demonstration
You can see how the greenhouse gas effect works if you put two thermometers on the same surface outside. Place a glass jar over one (like a mini greenhouse). Then check the temperatures of both thermometers after 20 minutes.
Gases such as carbon dioxide have the same effect on the earth as the glass jar does over the thermometer. This is why we call it the greenhouse effect.
What to do
Now you’ve heard about how the greenhouse effect works on the earth, come up with a short play or story showing how it works for others.
Either make a video recording of your play. You could use make-up and dressing up to show different roles.
Or else make an animation to tell your story. You could do drawings to animate, or use stop motion animation to tell the story with items or toys you have around your home.
You could incorporate the live demonstration with the thermometers as part of the video. Perhaps your video starts or ends with a documentary section?
Things to think about
Did acting it out help you to understand how the earth’s climate changes?
Can you already see changes due to the greenhouse effect in your life?
Why is it important to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases?
Take it further
Share your video online with #DreamBigAtHome. Who else could you share your film with that could make a change on the greenhouse effect?
This activity was adapted from the Handbook for Action Against Climate Change from our partners at IFM-SEI. With lots of useful background information and more activities for groups on the climate emergency.
Try monitoring the climate near you by making some instruments to measure the Changing Weather.