Polar Regions!

2) A summary of the background of the issue

The Polar Regions, geographically, are those that are higher than 66° 33´ latitude. Polar Regions have a huge influence on the earth’s climate, weather patterns and on its environment through the heat into the atmosphere and the transfer of heat through ocean currents. Changes in the Polar Regions will affect flora and fauna not just locally, but also globally.

3) Details about the issue and why the situation occurs?

The issue is that the warmer temperatures have caused other changes in the Polar Region such as melting ice and shrinking polar bear habitat. The ice and snow in the polar regions, because of its light colour, reflect most incoming solar energy back out to space. But as more greenhouse gases cause our planet to warm, some of this ice and snow melts, less of it is reflected out to space, and more of it is absorbed by the Earth’s surface and oceans. The added energy warms the Polar Regions, causes more ice to melt and more warming.

4) What can be done about the issue?

Global warming is the cause for the Polar Regions issues, so to help we must prevent global warming some things people could do to help are:

·         Drive less. Take bikes, walk or carpool whenever possible

·         Replace all the light bulbs in and around your home with energy-efficient fluorescents that use fewer watts for the same amount of light.

·         Clean or replace your filters monthly

·         Buy recycled paper products and recycle as much of your waste as possible

·         Wash clothes in cold water and line-dry whenever possible

·         Plant a tree

5) What organisations are currently doing to address the issue?

AusAID

The Australian Government’s overseas aid program supports projects that help to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sinks and changing to the adverse effects of climate change. Many projects focus on poorer countries in our region because these countries will be affected sooner and most harshly.

6)What suggestions can you offer to address the issue ( Think Globally act Locally)

Everybody in their own homes could change light bulbs and only use the dishwasher or washing machine if they have full loads, we should all stop wasting so much of our worlds recourses as by simply looking around you can see the Earth cannot cope with it forever.  Community could reserve an area where they can plant trees so one day it will be a forest. Everyone in the world should turn all electronic devices off if you do not need them. Don’t leave the Tv running while you go for a quick walk. Really we just have to get smart and do things that will benefit out earth.