If global warming is allowed to continue unabated, scientists warn that low-lying parts of the UK could be submerged within 50 years as ice caps melt and sea levels rise. Europe as a whole is likely to be affected by floods in the north and severe water shortages in the south, more extreme weather, new diseases and parasites, and the extinction of some plant and animal species. So how do young people feel about attempts to fend off global warming?
Roz
I reckon it's cyclical: it's just nature running its course. There's nothing we can do to stop it, but we are speeding up the process with our consumer lifestyles. It's an unavoidable blip. As we are all predicted to be wiped out before long they should make our lives as fun as possible!
To be honest, I've just accepted it - I don't see what needs doing. I respect people who work at trying to solve the problem but I don't see it being a success in this situation so I focus on other causes.
Jimi
We're so dependent on fossil fuels and that's what's causing it
all because they release so much.
There should be tighter regulations on logging industries to help
preserve the rain forests so there are enough trees to cope with
the carbon dioxide emissions. Take more consumer responsibility -
check to see if what they are buying is eco-friendly. I try to make
my friends aware of the problem.
Joshua
This government should encourage people to leave their cars at home and walk or cycle, at least use public transport. There should be more vehicles run on electricity too for those who have to use their cars. I walk to college. People should boycott diesel cars, as they're the worst - there are some cool alternatives that run on electricity and stuff, so I don't see why people don't opt for those instead of all the ones that pollute the atmosphere.
Jojo
There've been talks already with other countries. I don't know if they're doing enough though - I think they should do a lot. I know America's not doing anything about it. Individuals can cut down on waste so there are less landfills. Generally take more public transport. We should also put pressure on the government to tighten regulations.
Sanya
I think the government should do more and take less time: this whole thing about there being a start date for all of the influential governments to assess and then act is unnecessary. We know what the problems are. Just simple stuff like recycling is the first step for individuals, and is something I do myself and strongly recommend to others. We need to take it seriously ourselves before we can expect our government to.
Emma
I remember studying global warming at school. It's what happens when we release all this carbon dioxide into the air. We're also cutting down too many trees so they can't absorb it all and it's heating up the world.
Yes, I do think it's the government's duty to try and sort it out. They should work together and try and solve it in the long term, not just the short term. Using other fuels instead of coal would be a start I think.
I don't do anything really myself, though I probably will after this! But people should just do simple things like walking to the shops instead of driving, and supporting campaigns about saving the rainforest.
