Climate change, do kids get it?

Climate change is a complex issue that is a major concern to the public. The topic sparks debate and is gaining major attention around the world. Climate change is so popular that it’s this year’s theme for Blog Action Day, an annual web event held on October 15th that unites the world’s bloggers in posting an issue on the same day to trigger discussion.  So today we’d like to share what we know about kids and climate change.

In a recent study done by the Ocean Project, it was found that most people do not associate climate change and carbon pollution with ocean health. When the truth is, climate change is adversely affecting the marine environment in particular—evident through sea level rise, elevated water temperature, coral bleaching, and acidification.

At the Aquarium we spend a lot of time educating visitors on environmental concerns through our exhibits and outreach events, and we also spend a lot of time educating children, and listening to children. We know that general public awareness about the critical role the ocean plays in the Earth’s climate system is low but, strangely, we have found that youth seem to be more connected  to this issue than adults. More importantly, they are committed to understanding and talking about climate change.

Turn Out, Take Action

World Wildlife Fund is asking the world to go dark.

 

To make a global statement of concern about climate change, World Wilflife Fund is inviting people and organizations from every nation to turn off any non-essential lighting for one hour – Earth Hour.

 

Inspired by the city of Baltimore, the National Aquarium will participate in Earth Hour 2009 by turning off our lights on Saturday, March 28 between 8:30 and 9:30pm. Of course, safety comes first so emergency lights will be lit but the Aquarium’s major exhibits, lobbies, ticket center, shops, and all outside lights on the pier will go dark.

 

As a major attraction that lights up Baltimore’s sky line, the Aquarium has become an important landmark on the Inner Harbor. It’s a very intricate building that is home to over 16,000 animals, and so turning off the lights off is no easy feat. But we are dedicated to showing our concern and respect for our beautiful planet.

 

You can do your part at home as well! Join the Aquarium and turn off your lights from this Saturday, March 28 between 8:30and 9:30pm. And be sure to tell your family, friends, neighbors! Click here to sign up and to learn more about Earth Hour. And please tell us how you plan to participate!

 

“One person committed to reducing energy consumption can make a difference, but millions working together can change the world.”