The Heat is On: 6 Questions to Explore in Our Warming World

Written by June Serrano

Climate change is introduced in elementary science classes, and it continues to be a major subject of discussion both in and outside classrooms as its effects become increasingly obvious. With the temperature rising, it leaves humans only two choices: to adapt to these changes or take action to lessen their impact.

To explore this, here are six questions to answer to learn about our warming world:

1. What affects the climate?

- The Philippines has a tropical climate, that being the dry season and rainy season. There are natural factors affecting the climate such as topography, ocean currents, prevailing winds, and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). However, humans can also affect and contribute to the change and worsening of climate. With this, it is important to learn that every climate has its survival and adaptation methods.

Factors Affecting Climate | Puno ng Buhay

2. What is Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect?

- Earth is like a giant greenhouse, the sunlight that gets through its atmosphere warms the lands and waters, balancing the temperature on this planet. However, due to human activities like burning of fossil fuels, excessive transport pollution, and more — heat gets trapped in our atmosphere.

Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect | Sineskwela

3. What are the effects of Global Warming?

- Global warming leads to the melting of ice caps, which in turn causes sea levels to rise. If the rise of waters continues, coastal floodings might occur causing significant damage to both the environment and those living within it. As the planet’s heat worsens, the impacts will be felt across all aspects of life.

Effects of Global Warming | Sineskwela

4. What explains the heat?

- The term “heat index” is often used in the media today. Heat index is the rise in temperature because of humidity. It is crucial to learn this to avoid heat-related illnesses. 

Temperature and Heat Index | #WeatherWiser Ka Na Ba?

5. Why is health important in this heat?

- Eating healthy food strengthens bodies and enhances humans’ ability to adapt to changing climates. It is vital to understand the effect of the food to consume — quality must always come first.

Kahalagahan ng Masustansyang Pagkain | ATBP | Early Childhood Development

6. What are the best Filipino foods to eat to stay cool?

- Since Filipinos are familiar with the heat, they enjoy culturally significant cold treats like Sorbetes and Halo-Halo. With the sound of a bell, children are informed that Mamang Sorbetero, the ice cream vendor, is nearby. Packed with nutritious ingredients, Halo-Halo not only offers a delicious way to cool down but also provides various health benefits.

Sorbetes | Knowledge Factory

 Halo-halo | Knowledge Factory

So there you have it: six questions to learn more about climate change and what to do to handle the heat. What questions do you have about our warming world? Share them with us!

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