Sophia F., Junior Journalist
Feb 1, 2025
Think climate change is just about weather? Think again. From rising heat to vanishing species, this article explores how our changing climate is putting animals, plants, and even coral reefs at risk. Learn why pandas are running out of bamboo, sea turtles are mistaking plastic for food, and how coral reefs—yes, coral is an animal!—are struggling to survive. Dive in for surprising facts and real ways our planet is changing.
Before we dive into climate change, you'll need to know what climate is.
Climate describes year-to-year patterns. Now let's get started on climate
change. Let's say that there's been an increase in heat over the past 50
years, That is climate change.
Endangered animals so far we've focused on climate change. Endangered
means at risk of dying out. First we'll talk about giant pandas. They are
only found in China. They only eat bamboo. They're endangered because
people are chopping down the bamboo trees they feed on.
Next up is the Loggerhead sea turtle. They're endangered because of the
litter drifting in the ocean. They think it's food and eat it. Plastic isn't good
for their stomachs, so if not cured, they can die.
Plants can be endangered too. The Rafflesia is an endangered, stinky red
flower, and it lives on the rain forest ground. They're endangered because
people are chopping down the rainforest to make room for cities,
buildings and places to raise livestock.
We'll now talk about coral reefs. Coral reefs are normally big underwater
habitats full of corals, marine animals and sea plants. Octopuses are one
of the many creatures that inhabit coral reefs. Their camouflage helps
them catch prey and hide from predators, such as sharks. Pufferfish are
amazing, too. They can swallow up water and puff up. That's how they got
the common name "pufferfish". But pufferfish can die if they swallow up
air instead of water, so never attempt to make a pufferfish "blow up".
Pufferfish are so cute! But their spikes are deadly, so never touch a
pufferfish when it's all puffed up!
Did you know that coral's actually an animal? You may find that fact
surprising because some people think that corals are plants because of
how they look. Corals are made of tiny animals called polyps.
About the Author:
Sophia is 8 years old and one of our bright Junior Journalists at The Rising Tide. She loves turning what she learns into fun, informative stories for curious readers like you. When she's not writing, she’s busy discovering new facts and sharing her love of learning with the Mensa Youth community. Click here to learn more about Sophia!