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Climate change and the water cycle
This Kapow pupil video is part of the Kapow Science scheme of work. Our planet works like a natural machine, with everything in balance. But climate change is disrupting this balance. Activities like farming, landfill, and burning fuel for power, cars, and factories release gases that trap heat from the Sun. Trees that absorb some of these gases are being cut down, making the problem worse. The extra warmth causes more water to evaporate, which can lead to extreme weather – heavy rain and flooding in some places, and drought in others.
Melting ice at the North and South Poles adds water to the sea, raising sea levels and flooding coastal areas. Animals like polar bears lose their icy homes and struggle to survive. By understanding how our actions affect the water cycle, we can take steps to protect the planet. Small actions like recycling, planting trees, walking or cycling instead of using cars, and saving electricity all help. Together, these changes can make a big difference in looking after our world.
The video is designed to be shown to pupils as part of Science, Lower key stage 2, Year 4, Materials: States of matter, Lesson 6: Climate change and the water cycle