Valencia, Spain experienced devastating floods this year! According to World Weather Attribution analysis ‘climate change made that week’s intense rainfall about 12% heavier and twice as likely, an international network of scientists who assess the impact of climate change on major weather events.

J. Simon of NPR (2024) wrote that ‘for decades, climate scientists have warned that global warming, which is primarily caused by humans burning oil, gas and coal, would cause severe deluges…An atmosphere made hotter by burning fossil fuels can hold more water vapor, which can make downpours more intense. The world is now at least 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than it was during the 1800s. Climate research finds a 1.3 degree temperature increase means the atmosphere can hold about 9% more moisture’.

These were some of the lessons that Hamilton students learnt at our PTC workshop @Waikato university. Dr Martina and her team of experts shared their knowledge with ākonga, who all dug their hands deep into the mix of activities! It was a fun-filled, eye-opening experience highlighting the effects of climate change and the ways we can begin utilising natural alternatives to chemicals and synthetic-based products.