Patrizia Fenech Adami

We are all feeling the effect of the weather, a mad weather where heavy rain falls in one country and a hot summery weather can be felt in the neighbouring country. In a continent there is a drought and animals are dying of thirst, and in another people are caught in torrential rains. What is happening to the world? Can I do something to restore the world to its former beauty?
The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature that the Earth experiences because certain gases in the atmosphere (water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane) trap energy from the sun. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space. Because of how they warm our world, these gases are referred to as greenhouse gases.
The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would not be warm enough for humans to live. However, if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the Earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants, animals.

Greenhouse gases
A National Research Council study dated May 2001 stated, “Greenhouse gases are accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and sub-surface ocean temperatures to rise. Temperatures are, in fact, rising. The changes observed over the last several decades are likely mostly due to human activities, but we cannot rule out that some significant part of these changes is also a reflection of natural variability.”
However, there is uncertainty in how the climate system varies naturally and reacts to emissions of greenhouse gases. Making progress in reducing uncertainties in projections of future climate will require better awareness and understanding of the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the behaviour of the climate system.
There are many things that society can do to save the greenhouse effect. Some of which are: by using energy star bulbs, you will be helping the environment while saving your money. You may reduce, reuse and recycle your newspaper, beverages and even buy any items which are made from reused materials. Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. This can be reduced by turning off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them. You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking.

Planting a tree
Planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon, dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air. Cars are an important part of life for most people. On the other hand cars also cause pollution and release a lot of greenhouse gases into the air. Fortunately, there are some cars that are better for the environment. These cars can travel further on a smaller amount of gasoline. They do not pollute as much, either. Using these kinds of cars can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air. Many things, like computers, TVs, stereos, and VCRs, have special labels on them. The label says “Energy” and has a picture of a star. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label are made to save energy. Buying products with ENERGY STAR® labels will help protect the environment.
The environment needs our positive attitudes. All our actions have a positive or negative effect, sometimes grave, other times trivial, but every effort helps.

Patrizia Fenech Adami was the winner in the category age 14 plus of the ‘The World is in my hands’ competition organised by MediaToday in conjunction with MB Solco. Patrizia was awarded a free solar panel inclusive of installation. She is a student at Sacred Heart Convent, St Julian’s. Her tutor is Ms Henrietta Marmarà. Patrizia also won the best in all categories.