Understanding Climate Change: A Kid’s Perspective

Summary:
Joseph, a 12-year-old from Boise, Idaho, asks about climate change after hearing his parents say the planet is getting too hot. The article explains that while many regions experience extreme heat, it’s unlikely to become uninhabitable for most people, especially in dry climates where sweat evaporation helps cool the body. However, areas with high humidity and heat, such as parts of the Middle East, Pakistan, and India, can be deadly, particularly without air conditioning. Scientists use a "wet bulb thermometer" to measure the risk, with readings over 95°F (35°C) being potentially fatal.
Climate change, driven by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, increases CO2 in the atmosphere, trapping heat. This results in hotter, more humid conditions spreading to new regions, exacerbating problems like wildfires and rising sea levels, which could displace up to 2 billion people by 2100. The global economy could suffer significantly, with potential income reductions of 25% by the century’s end.
While continued carbon burning will worsen the situation, the article points out that clean energy sources like solar and wind offer a solution. Progress in clean energy technology has been significant, and global agreements aim to mitigate climate change. By transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, humanity can prevent making the world unlivable.