Energy

 

Jersey currently enjoys access to low-carbon electricity from France, however there are many sources of energy in the island which cause greenhouse gases and these are known to influence climate change. In particular they warm the planet.

There are four main greenhouse gases and your child will come to learn about these as they progress through their education.

Carbondioxide

Carbondioxide is a very important part of the atmosphere. It is released through natural processes (like volcanic eruptions) and through human activities, like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Human activities have caused a sharp rise in carbondioxide. Your child will learn about carbondioxide as they learn about trees and rainforests. Many schools engage in tree-planting initiatives either locally or internationally for this reason.

Methane

Methane is also a gas in Earth's atmosphere. Methane comes from both natural and human-caused sources.

It is released from landfills and aspects of farming. Cow, horses, sheep and other animals emit methane from their digestion and manure. Leaks from fossil fuel production and the exhaust fumes from vehicles can be another major source of methane. 

To reduce methane and carbondioxide, your child is likely to ask you to help them engage in active travel campaigns such as the Walk to School Week or World Environment Day.

Nitrous Oxide

This gas is a potent greenhouse gas produced by some farming practices. It is released during commercial and organic fertilizer production and use. It also comes from burning fossil fuels and burning vegetation.

Chlorofluorocarbons

These are more widely known as CFCs do not exist in nature – they are entirely man-made. They will be familiar to you and your child as they were used to cool fridges and freezers or to make spray-cans work. These are now known to damage the ozone layer and there is an international agreement which restricts their use.

Nitrous oxide and CFC gases are more likely to be discussed as part of the secondary Science curriculum at Key Stage 4.

By planting trees, actively walking, cycling or scooting to school, minimising waste and by teaching children how to grow their own fruit and vegetables organically, we can all commit in a small way to reducing the effects of greenhouse gases on Jersey.

 

Jersey climate conversation

Electricity production - burning fossil fuels

Renewable energy sources

Link to more information

   
Energy-saving tips These tips will help you and your child to save money and the planet.
Turn it off campaign This is a really easy campaign to get involved with: just turn off any appliances or lights that aren't being used.
Climate kids: energy Find out more about pollution, carbon and fossil fuels from NASA.