The terms climate change and global warming are often used interchangeably, but climate change refers to both the rise in global temperatures because of human activitiesandthe many impacts this rise has on the planet—such as more intense and frequent droughts and storms, melting glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels, warming seas (which can cause coral reef bleaching and disrupt the marine food chain), and ocean acidification. Climate change can also refer to natural fluctuations in the Earth’s average temperature between cold periods (ice ages) and warm periods

.A rise in global temperatures increases the severity and likelihood of storms, floods, wildfires, droughts and heat waves. In a warmer climate, the atmosphere can collect, retain and drop more water, making wet areas wetter and dry areas drier. Increased precipitation can help support agriculture, but more frequent and intense storms damage property, infrastructure, and lead to loss of life in vulnerable areas. Over the past few decades, the United States has experienced more heat waves and fewer cold waves.

Global warming also results in warmer oceans, making it easier for hurricanes to form; over the past 20 years, tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico has increased in intensity, frequency, and duration.

Making simple choices to saveenergymay help avoid the serious consequences of global warming. For example:

Turn off the lights.

Close doors immediately so heat does not escape.

Take short showers.

Walk or bike if you can (instead of having your parents drive you).

Turn off your computer when not in use (don't leave it on just to keep Facebook or Myspace active).

Replace incandescent with fluorescent lights. (This saves a lot of money!)

Ask your parents not to leave the car running needlessly, for example, when waiting to pick you up at school.

Recycle(this saves energy in manufacturing).

Run the dishwasher and other appliances on energy saver mode.

Keep the house at 68°F or less. And make sure the heat goes off at night and when everyone is away.

Start a conservation club at school to raise awareness. Get your fellow students and teachers on board to have the school reduce energy consumption.