2011 Essay Contest Finalist

Entry by Corvyn Kusuma

How Change Shapes Our Planet

Different interactions in the Earth’s systems affect our planet that we live in over time. Acid rain, caused by sulfur dioxide diffusing into rain drops, triggers chemical weathering which breaks down rocks over time. Weathering has capabilities of molding a landform into something completely new. Carbon dioxide is released as a waste product into the atmosphere from igniting fossil fuels in the biosphere for power. It traps incoming heat from the sun, thereby increasing the temperature. This is called global warming. Increases in the Earth’s temperature may cause ocean levels to rise due to melting ice caps, and animals to become extinct in the biosphere due to climate changes.

Over the years people have studied and gathered evidence of the changes that affect our planet. By observing the holes in the ozone layer and contents of the atmosphere, it is possible to study about the effects of Global Warming and pollution on Earth. Traffic congestions and power plant use are also observed to gather evidence of pollution. People observe the form changes of rock structures over time to study the process of weathering. Temperatures are constantly measured to gather evidence of Global Warming.

Humans are affected by, and play huge roles in the changes of the Earth. Weathering affects the form of a landscape, impacting a person’s place of residence. Acid rain and Global Warming can cause respiratory diseases and skin cancer. Global Warming also causes drought, and thus prevents fruits and vegetables from growing properly. People do many activities to release carbon dioxide into the air, such as driving cars, running factories, and igniting natural resources for energy. Therefore, it is our job as responsible citizens to control pollution levels by doing simple tasks such as carpooling, conserving energy, and using solar energy instead of burning fossil fuels.