Russia's Tsunami

Hi readers! Today, we are going to talk about the earthquake and tsunami that happened in Russia.

More about what happened:

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Russia's Kuril Islands on July 30th 2025. The earthquake triggered a tsunami, and parts of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula was warned. Russian officials said the tsunami could cause high waves and super high tides! However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre told everyone that there was no danger of a tsunami reaching Hawaii.

Facts:

- The tsunami cut power in many areas and completely flooded the Russian fishing port with tsunami waves exceeded 3 metres, the largest up to 5 metres. On a positive note though, there were only minor injuries caused!

- The earthquake was one of the strongest ever recorded, but its tsunami was not as bad as feared.

Challenge:

Think about how earthquakes and tsunamis are created

Here are some videos that explain more about this earthquake:

https://youtu.be/TUi2uFJ_wrI

Tsunami disrupts marine life: Hundreds of sea lions flee powerful wavesafter Russia earthquake:

 

Why is it So Hot This July?

Hi readers! You might have heard people say that this July is one of the hottest ever. That’s not just where you live—it’s happening all over the world. But why?

Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.

These are the two main reasons for this heat in July:

1. The Earth is Already Warmer

Over the past 100+ years, humans have burned lots of coal, oil, other fossil fuels. This puts gases like carbon dioxide into the air, trapping heat—like a giant invisible blanket around the planet. This is called climate change, and it’s making every year warmer than the ones before.

 2. El Niño is Adding Extra Heat                                                    

This year, there’s something else happening too: it’s called El Niño 

It’s when the Pacific Ocean gets warmer than usual. That warm ocean heats the air above it, and warm air spreads around the world. El Niño doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, it can make the whole planet hotter than usual—on top of the heat from climate change.

How is Heat in July Affecting the Rest of the World? 

1. Scientific studies show that human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. 
2. Extreme heat can disrupt natural ecosystems, impacting plant life, animal habitats, and water bodies. 
3. Hot, dry conditions amplify the risk of wildfires, especially when combined with other factors like lightning strikes. 
4. Hot weather increases the use of air conditioners, putting stress on power grids. This can cause blackouts and disrupt important services.

How can we help reduce heat waves?  

Reducing heat waves begins with the small actions that also help reduce global warming. Global warming increases global temperature, leading to more frequent and longer heat waves. 

Here are a few ways we can reduce heat waves/global warming:

1. Be smart with your everyday life! - switch to more sustainable light sources, such as LED lights. Try to switch off all electrical appliances when leaving a room/when not in use. 
2. Transportation - Bike to short distances, or use public transports, like subways, buses, etc. You can even carpool with friends! 
3. Plant more trees! - there are many scientific theories today that say trees can cool the air due to multiple complicated processes, such as shading and transpiration (the water vapor trees produce onto their leaves, which cools the air.)

 

Poem for the Planet

Hi readers! Today, we have written an inspiring couplet called A Cry for the Earth. We wrote a poem about protecting our lands - also talking about expressing concerns for our planet through creative ways. 

A Cry for the Earth

Flowers wilt, trees die,

Smoke covers the once magnificent sky.

Trash carelessly thrown away,
Voices that matter lost in the fray.

Animals cower, their habitats destroyed—
The realities are hitting us; this is something we can't avoid!

Sea threatens to swallow land,
The glaciers are melting faster than we planned.

Plastic littering the beautiful sea—
Of this torment, marine life can never be free!

What can we do about our once pure land?
We must help—from the skies, the hills, and the sand.

Fires rage where forests stood tall,
Nature's cry echoes through it all.

Air once crisp, now thick with despair,
We gasp for breath, but there's poison in the air.

The bees are dying, crops fail to grow,
A warning in every breeze that blows.

Floods submerge where people sleep,
The earth is wounded; its scars run deep.

But in our hands lies the power to heal—
To act with purpose, to truly feel.

So rise with hope, take a stand,
Together we can protect this land.

In conclusion, we deeply encourage all of you to also take a stand. Spreading awareness about our planet doesn’t have to be boring - you can express your concerns through many fun ways - singing, acting, writing - whatever you want! Let’s have a sustainable summer together!

Cloudbursts!

Hi readers! Today, we'll be teaching you about cloudbursts and their impact on the environment and society!

What is a cloudburst?

A cloudburst is when it suddenly starts raining very heavily in a specific area - and it can cause floods and can wreck havoc.

How are cloudbursts created?
Cloudbursts can be caused by climate change, lack of wind and lack of how much the wind is moving , and too much moisture and humidity.

How did it affect Himachal?
Recent cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have caused devastating flash floods, landslides, and destruction of infrastructure. Dozens have lost their lives, roads and bridges have collapsed, and entire communities have been displaced. Districts like Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra were hit hardest, with massive economic and environmental losses. It was devastating- but it got us wondering how WE can help.

So...🌱 What Can We Do?
We aren’t able to entirely stop cloudbursts, as they are a natural phenomenon, but we can reduce how often they come and how bad it is. This means that we can play a part in making living conditions much better for people in areas that recieve cloudburts.

• Reduce carbon emissions: Use public transport or walk, switch to renewable energy, and conserve electricity.

• Plant more trees: Forest cover helps absorb rainwater and prevent soil erosion.

• Avoid construction near rivers or slopes: Support eco-sensitive zoning laws to reduce disaster risk.

• Support sustainable tourism: Choose eco-friendly travel options and respect local environments. Be careful while sightseeing and take care that you are not imposing on an animal's habitat.

We have to play our part in reducing the risk of cloudbursts. While we may not entirely fix the problem, we can be one step closer to the solution!

These are some pictures of how a cloudburst looks and the effects of it on society!

Sustainable Summer!

 Hi readers! Today, we have thought of multiple activities that you can do this summer - but the catch is , it’s all sustainable!

One suggestion is: for those who live in outdoor areas: create a list of nature items such as pinecones and go on a scavenger hunt to find them. Then, with what you find, create a fun DIY project such as a pinecone headband or a flower chain! 

(This is how a pinceone headband would look!)

Our second suggestion: You could use old shirts and make them into something new using your at home art supplies! You can make their own designs... based on your interests or likes!

A design made by one of our bloggers based on her likes (Music and Taylor Swift!)

Remember, don't hold back! Be as creative as you like.

Hope you enjoy your summer - and remember to always stay sustainable!

DIY Sunday! T-Shirt Tote Bag!

 

What You’ll Need:

• 1 old T-shirt (any size, the thicker the better)

• A pair of scissors

Steps:

1. Lay your shirt flat.
   Smooth it out on a table or the floor. Make sure the front and back are lined up.

2. Cut off the sleeves.
   Cut around both armholes. These will become the bag’s handles.

3. Cut out the neck hole.
   Cut a semi-circle around the neck to make the top opening of your bag — just like a tank top.

4. Make the fringe.
   At the bottom of the shirt, cut small vertical slits (about 1–2 inches long) all the way across. Front and back. You should have a fringe now!

5. Tie it up.
   Take each pair of front and back fringe strips and tie them together in a tight double knot. This closes the bottom of the bag.

6. Test it!
   Tug gently to make sure no holes are left. Ta-da! You just made your own reusable tote.

How to Use It:

• Carry groceries, snacks, or books

• Take it to the market or store instead of using plastic bags

• Decorate it with markers, patches, or pins to show your style

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:

• Gives old clothes a new purpose instead of throwing them away

• Replaces single-use plastic bags

• Can be reused hundreds of times

  
  
  An image of how it should look at the end (use your creativity and decorate your bag however you want)!

Are humans the only causes for global warming?

 Hi guys! Today, we'll be inquiring into a very popular question: are humans the only causes for global warming?

Answer: Human and natural factors both influence the earth's climate, but the long-term trend observed over the past century can only be explained by the effect of human activities on climate. Humans are the primary cause of modern global warming, but not the only factor influencing Earth’s climate.  

Natural Factors that impact global warming: 

• Changes in the Sun's Activity:

The sun's energy output varies over time, which can influence Earth's climate. 

• Volcanic Eruptions:

Large volcanic eruptions can release dust and aerosols into the atmosphere, temporarily cooling the planet.  

• Earth's Orbit:

Variations in Earth's orbit can alter the amount of solar radiation received by the planet, leading to long-term climate changes. 

• Natural Greenhouse Effect:

The Earth naturally has a greenhouse effect, where greenhouse gases trap heat and keep the planet warm enough to support life. 

Human Activities that impact global warming:

• Burning Fossil Fuels:

Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 

•  Deforestation:

Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, so deforestation reduces this carbon sink and contributes to increased atmospheric CO2 levels. 

• Industrial Processes:

Many industrial processes also release greenhouse gases, contributing to the overall warming trend.  

• Agriculture:

Livestock farming and the use of fertilizers release methane and nitrous oxide, powerful greenhouse gases.

• Landfill Waste:

Decomposing waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

• Transportation:

Burning fossil fuels in vehicles releases CO2 and other pollutants, contributing to global warming.

 

 

SAVE OUR PLANET!