Hello, Future Earth Heroes!
Welcome to our study notes for "Care for Our Earth"! Our planet is our home, and it's a very special one. In this chapter, we're going to learn about the energy we use, the problems our Earth is facing, and the super important ways we can all help to protect it. It's like learning how to be a superhero for our planet! Ready? Let's begin!
Section 1: Our Earth's Super Power - Energy!
What is Energy?
Think about what you need to run and play. You need food! Energy is like food for our world. It powers our lights, our computers, our buses, and everything that moves or works. But where does this energy come from? There are two main types.
Two Types of Energy: A Race Between a Turtle and a Rabbit
Imagine energy sources are in a race. Some are super slow like a turtle (they take millions of years to form), and some are fast like a rabbit (they are always available!).
1. Non-Renewable Energy (The Turtle Energy)
This is energy that we use up much, much faster than nature can make it. Once we use it, it's gone for a very, very long time. It’s like a snack bag – once you eat all the crisps, the bag is empty!
These sources are often found deep inside the Earth and took millions of years to form.
Example: The petrol that makes cars go comes from oil, which is a non-renewable energy source.
2. Renewable Energy (The Rabbit Energy)
This is the "never-ending" kind of energy! It comes from sources that won't run out or are replaced very quickly by nature. No matter how much we use, there is always more.
Here are some amazing renewable energy sources:
- Solar Power: Energy from the bright sunshine!
- Wind Power: Energy from the blowing wind!
- Hydropower: Energy from moving water, like rivers!
Think about it: The sun will shine again tomorrow, and the wind will blow again. We can keep using them!
Why does this matter?
Using too much non-renewable energy can cause energy problems and harm our environment, like making the air dirty. That's why it's so important to use more renewable energy and save energy whenever we can!
Section 1: Key Takeaway
Non-renewable energy can run out and can harm the environment.
Renewable energy is clean and will not run out.
It's better for the Earth to use more renewable energy!
Section 2: Environmental Problems in Our Home, Hong Kong
What are Environmental Problems?
When our actions make the Earth's air, water, or land dirty and unhealthy, these are called environmental problems. It’s like if everyone made a big mess in the playground and no one cleaned it up. It wouldn't be a nice place to play anymore!
In Hong Kong, we are facing a few big challenges.
Big Challenges in Hong Kong
1. Solid Waste (Too much rubbish!)
Solid waste is just another word for rubbish or trash. In Hong Kong, we create a lot of it every day! Think about all the plastic bags, food containers, and old toys we throw away. All this rubbish goes to special places called landfills, but they are getting very full!
A possible solution: One idea the government has is municipal solid waste charging. This is a plan where people might pay a small amount for the rubbish they throw away. This encourages everyone to try and make less waste!
2. Air Pollution (Smoggy skies)
Air pollution happens when the air gets filled with harmful smoke and tiny particles from traffic (like cars and buses) and factories. Sometimes, it makes the beautiful view of Hong Kong's buildings look hazy and grey. This can also make us cough and is not healthy to breathe.
3. Noise Pollution (It's too loud!)
Noise pollution is when there are too many loud sounds around us, like from heavy traffic and construction work. This constant noise can make it hard to focus on your homework, and can even make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.
Did you know?
Every single day, Hong Kong throws away enough plastic bottles to stack up higher than 250 IFC towers! That's a lot of plastic!
Section 2: Key Takeaway
In Hong Kong, our main environmental problems are:
1. Solid Waste: We have too much rubbish.
2. Air Pollution: Our air is sometimes dirty from traffic and smoke.
3. Noise Pollution: Our city can be very loud.
Section 3: We Can All Be Earth Heroes!
It's a Team Effort: The Government and Us
Taking care of our Earth isn't a job for just one person. It's a team effort! Both the government (the people who help run our city) and individuals (that means you and me!) have very important responsibilities.
What is our Government's Responsibility?
The government helps by making rules to protect the environment, creating more recycling bins for everyone to use, and protecting our beautiful country parks. They help make it easier for all of us to be green!
What is Our Responsibility?
This is where we get to be superheroes! Our individual actions can make a huge difference. When we all do a little bit, it adds up to a lot! This is called environmental conservation. Here’s how you can help:
1. Practise Green Living
This is a way of life where we make choices that are good for the Earth. It's easy! Here are two super important ways to practise green living:
- Waste Reduction at Source: This sounds complicated, but it's really simple! It means we try to create LESS rubbish in the first place. This is the best and most powerful way to help!
- How to do it: Use a reusable lunch box and water bottle. Say "no, thank you" to plastic straws. When you buy a small snack, see if you can carry it instead of taking a plastic bag.
- Saving Energy: This means using less electricity. When we save energy, power plants don't have to burn as much non-renewable fuel, which means less air pollution!
- How to do it: Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Switch off the computer or tablet when you are finished. Don't leave the fridge door open for too long!
Quick Review: My Earth Hero Checklist
Ready to be an Earth Hero? Here are your first missions!
☐ Turn off the lights when I leave a room.
☐ Use my own reusable water bottle.
☐ Don't waste paper or water.
☐ Help my family recycle.
Section 3: Key Takeaway
The government and every single one of us have a responsibility to care for the Earth. By practising green living (like reducing waste and saving energy), our small, everyday actions can help solve big environmental problems and keep Hong Kong beautiful!