Table of contents for Issue 319 - March 2022 in MiniMag

Land warms Land warms 1.5 times faster than the planet overall. Sea warms Warmer water also expands, causing sea levels to rise. Sea levels rise Beaches disappear. Land washed away. There’s more severe flooding during storms, and coastal areas flood more frequently. Winds change The atmosphere moves heat and water around the world with wind and clouds. This controls the weather. Ocean currents change Ocean currents move heat around the world. Warmer seas change the way currents work. Fresh water from melted ice also has an effect. Clouds change Cloud patterns are very sensitive to changes in the sea and wind. Changes in clouds affect rainfall and Earth’s albedo. Hotter, drier weather in many places Heat waves become more likely and last longer. Hot, humid weather is particularly deadly. Mountain…

Sixteen-year-old Georgia Nolan dreams of being the world's first-ever female firefighter. When a mysterious arsonist starts burning down Broadway, New York's firemen begin vanishing. Georgia's father, Shawn, is called out of retirement by the Mayor of New York to lead the investigation into the disappearances. Desperate to help her father and save her city, Georgia disguises herself as a young man called "Joe" and joins a small group of misfit firefighters trying to stop the arsonist.…

Once upon a time there was a brave knight named Stellar, who lived in the Kingdom of Bantexia. While on a walk in the enchanted forest, he saw two colourless dinosaurs. “Help us” they yelled, but Stellar had no idea what kind of help they needed. The dinosaurs explained that an evil spell had taken their colour away. Stellar had his own special kind of magic and immediately knew exactly what to do. Can you find synonyms for the following words: He slowly moved closer to them and with a great big hug, that was filled with a special kind of warmth and understanding, he held the two dinosaurs close. Suddenly they started to fill with colour and happiness and realised that all along they just needed a friend. Kindness…

Many parts of South Africa and other parts of the world have already experienced extreme weather and changes in climate, and many people are being affected by climate change. Complex problems like climate change don’t have simple solutions. We need many people with different knowledge to work together to contribute to solutions. Scientists are working hard to discover new things and create new knowledge to help us reduce the impact of climate change. This includes developing new technologies that reduce greenhouse gases, like renewable energy technologies (such as solar or wind power); and technology that captures and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; and better ways of farming to reduce the use of fertilisers and reduce the amount of methane and nitrous oxide that is released into the atmosphere. We…

Firefighters are some of the most fearless and brave people, choosing to work in a job that can get them killed on any given day, rather than an ordinary, safe desk job. People who choose to be firefighters are definitely not ordinary. They are extraordinary and here are some awesome facts that you most likely didn’t know about firefighters and the history of firefighting. • Benjamin Franklin is responsible for the first fire company in Philadelphia. These firefighters were sometimes known as Benjamin Franklin’s Bucket Brigade. They would meet monthly to discuss different techniques to fight fires. • How long do you think firefighters have to get dressed? Less than two minutes! This includes all of their gear, which can weigh from 35 to 45 kg. • Did you know…

The world’s water moves between the sea, air and land. During the cycle it changes from one state – sold, liquid or gas – to another. The water cycle is powered by energy from the sun, which evaporates water from the land and sea. How plastics save water: Because plastic is resistant to corrosion, impact, UV rays and many other environmental factors, it doesn't have to be replaced as often as other materials. This is why plastics play a major part in drinking water, water transport, irrigation systems, sewage treatment and plumbing pipes and fittings. GROUNDWATER - MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE Any given water transport system will include hundreds of plastic elements, including pipes, tanks, valve and pump components and more. Using a plastic water pipe in place of a…

Researchers around South Africa are looking at how indigenous knowledge can help reduce the impact of climate change. For example, the 2021 FameLab South Africa winner, Letago Kgomoeswana, is involved in studying the impact of climate change on small holder farmers in the Mopani District in Limpopo. She has been finding out more about how they think about, understand and respond to climate change. Climate change is affecting the farmers by reducing the quality of land, the amount and health of their crops, and the health of their livestock. She says farmers are using indigenous knowledge to help them adapt to climate change and the variable weather. For example, leftover seeds can be stored in firewood ash so that seeds can be saved for more than one season. Firewood ash…

Water is critical for sustainable development, maintaining environmental integrity, eradicating poverty and hunger, and ensuring human health and well-being. Without water there would be no life; every living thing on earth is dependant on it. About 97% of the water on earth is salt water, 2% is ice at the poles and only 1% is fresh water. To raise awareness of the importance of using water wisely, an international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. The main aim of World Water Day is to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and to encourage the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Each year,…

Oceans cover 71% of the planet and are home to important species and ecosystems that we rely on for food, livelihoods, climate regulation and more. But the oceans need our help. Saving the oceans can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, but if we all pitch in, we can make a big difference. Hi, it’s us, The Incredible Hake, Omega Mind and Captain Crisp again! Join us this month to appreciate the beauty and wonders of our oceans while Mom prepares a delicious fish finger meal! Litter dropped on the street doesn't stay there. Rainwater and wind carries waste into streams and rivers, and through drains. Drains lead to the ocean! Do your part and make sure you do not litter and start recycling your waste! @SeaHarvestSA @FishnTips_SH Can you…

It’s time for the National Schools Science Debates competition to kick off for 2022. We are excited to hear what young people think about some of the important science topics on our minds this year. This schools’ debating competition, run by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), is unique because it asks teams to focus on different perspectives around science, to come together for a discussion and to propose possible solutions for positive change. Science is such a big part of our world and is intertwined in other important aspects of society, such as our economy, politics and culture. These perspectives are all discussed in SAASTA’s science debates and make for very interesting conversations. Climate change For the first round of the competition in 2022, we…

It would be great if there is enough food for everybody in the year 2050 Rising temperatures, droughts and an increase in crop diseases are all part of climate change. This makes it much harder for farmers to meet the world’s growing food demands. We need water in just the right amount Climate change messes with normal rainfall patterns. When there is too much rain, floods destroy everything in their wake and take lives. Too little rain causes droughts that shrivel crops mercilessly while fresh water in rivers and dams dwindles. Heat waves aren’t any fun, and violent storms are traumatic As climate change continues average temperatures will rise, while storms like hurricanes will become more intense and powerful. Animals and plants deserve a life too It is difficult to…