Thank you for your question. It's quite a big question, with complex answers. If you want to make a big difference, then one of the first places to start is to learn as much about the issue as possible. Climate change is complicated and linked to other issues, so the more you know the better equipped you will be to help make a difference.

The next thing that you can do is to find a way that you can get involved, like reducing gas emissions. You can reduce emissions from fossil fuels such as gasoline by riding a bike, taking public transit, or car pooling. You can also use energy-efficient appliances, or reduce the use of clothes dryers, for example, by line drying when the weather permits. And of course, you can use energy-efficient light bulbs. Also, get your family and friends to do the same.

Then, down the road, one of the biggest things you can do is become political. Ask your members of parliament or the prime minister what they are doing about climate change. What is your school doing? What is your city doing? If they aren't doing anything, hopefully by what you learned about what climate change is and what we can do to change the negative effects, you might be able to recommend some solutions.

All the best and thanks again for getting in touch with us at Lakehead University,
Dr. Kemp

One of the easiest ways to make a difference to climate change is to consider your use of energy. Reducing energy use usually reduces the output of carbon dioxide, the main gas contributing to global warming. For example, I suspect that as a Grade 8 student you are not driving yet, and your parents probably drive you around. If possible, you could cycle or walk rather than be driven. As well as reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants being released into the air, walking and cycling are good forms of exercise to help keep you fit.

Other possibilities: Encourage your parents to buy local food where possible. Buying locally reduces both the amount of energy used and carbon dioxide released because the food does not need to be trucked over great distances. When you leave a room, turn off the light. This reduces electricity consumption so less electricity needs to be produced, less coal is burned to produce the electricity, and less carbon dioxide is released.

Instead of leaving your computer running all the time, switch it off when you are not using it. By using electricity only when needed, the release of carbon dioxide and the impact on climate is reduced. In addition it reduces your parents' hydro bill.

You should also share your concern about climate change with other students and with your teacher. Perhaps you could have a contest to see who has done most to try to reduce climate change. Anything that you do as an individual may not seem all that important, but if hundreds or even thousands of individuals do what you want to do then the impact will be that much greater.

All the best and thanks again for getting in touch with us at Lakehead University,
Dr. Kemp

To find out what is happening in Canada with reference to climate change in coastal areas, take a look at university web pages from Newfoundland and the Maritimes and also from British Columbia. There is also Environment Canada's Green Line. There are cold water coral colonies in Canadian waters, but most of the interest in coral is from the tropics and sub-tropics, where coral bleaching as a result of rising ocean temperatures is a concern. Some environmental organizations are very interested in this. If you want to volunteer have a look at the Greenpeace web site. They are always looking for volunteers, and with your scuba diving expertise they might be able to use you.

For organizations that are actively involved in preserving coral reefs, please check the Pew Center on Global Climate Change as well as the Coral Reef Alliance.

All the best and thanks again for getting in touch with us at Lakehead University,
Dr. Kemp

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