Climate Change

My name is Sagnik Gope, and I am a Grade 7 student. Until last year, climate change was just something I read about in textbooks. It felt distant, almost unreal. But this year, everything changed when I saw its impact right in my neighborhood.

One evening, my family and I were walking in our local park. This park used to be lush and vibrant, full of trees and blooming flowers. But now, much of it had turned dry, and some of the trees had been cut down. “Climate change is making it worse,” my father said. His words stayed with me that night. Could I, a seventh-grader, do anything to help?

I began researching online about climate change and what causes it. I learned about greenhouse gases, deforestation, and how human activities are harming our planet. That’s when I stumbled upon an idea: planting trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to combat global warming. I decided to organize a tree-planting drive in our neighborhood.

The next day at school, I shared my idea with my classmates. At first, they were skeptical. “What difference can a few kids make?” asked my friend Aryan. But Rimsha, my best friend, encouraged me. “It’s a great idea, Sagnik! Even small actions can have big impacts.” Her words gave me confidence.

Our first step was to get permission from the local municipal office. I wrote a letter explaining our plan and why it was important. To my surprise, they responded positively and even promised to provide us with saplings. The next challenge was finding volunteers. With Rimsha’s help, we made posters and shared them on social media, inviting people to join us.

On the day of the event, I was nervous. What if no one showed up? But when I reached the park, I saw a group of people—classmates, teachers, neighbors, and even some strangers—all ready to help. We started digging holes and planting saplings. Each tree we planted felt like a step toward a better future.

As we worked, I explained to the younger kids why trees are important. “They’re like the lungs of the Earth,” I said, “they clean the air and give us oxygen.” Their curious questions made me realize how much more we need to educate people about climate change.

By the end of the day, we had planted over fifty saplings. The park looked alive again. Everyone who participated promised to take care of the trees, ensuring they would grow strong and healthy. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about planting trees; it was about bringing people together for a common cause.

Over the next few weeks, I continued to check on the saplings. Some had grown small leaves, while others were still taking root. The municipal office even sent workers to help water them regularly. Our little effort had sparked a chain reaction—other neighborhoods started organizing similar drives.

Looking back, I realize how much this experience taught me. Climate change isn’t just a problem for scientists or governments; it’s everyone’s responsibility. As a Grade 7 student, I might not have all the answers, but I’ve learned that even small actions can lead to big changes. And I’m not stopping here. This is just the beginning of my journey to protect our planet.

By Sagnik Gope

Grade 7

CP Goenka School Ulwe