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| Columbia school helps recognize earth day | The News Review | April 24, 2003 The earth balloon came to Columbia School last week in
conjunction with a recognition of Earth Day. “We’re showing the kids an exact replica of the earth, as exact a replica that has ever been created,” began Schidlowsky. “It’s done by satellite imaging and it takes about 500 hours to create a balloon like this.” Schidlowsky says one of the reasons for creating such a visual aid is the non-profit organization he is with, called Earthcare out of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, is trying to teach children about sustainability of natural resources and land. “We’re trying to teach them this is their earth, they have to learn to take care of it. It’s in their hands.” On the 17 foot high balloon is the continents of the earth. On those continents are different colours representing water, land masses complete with mount ranges, deserts highlighted. When looking at the continent of Africa, Schidlowsky says a white area above represents desert. In the last 100 years the area of desert has doubled. “If the pace continues, in another 100 years that same patter will happen.” Other countries are not in any better shape. Haiti is seeing the depletion of its forests. Schidlowsky used the example if in 1920 the country had 100 trees, in 1960 it would have had 40. Today it would only have five left. He says this is the result of slash and burn policies of the country. Water is another concern. Holding up a four litre jug of water to represent all the water on the earth, Schidlowsky poured on glass of water from the jug explaining to students this amount represents the fresh water available. Two-thirds of that glass of water is unattainable because it is frozen in northern glaciers. He poured that amount into another glass leaving only a small amount. Schidlowsky encouraged the students to do what they can individually to conserve water like turning the tap off when brushing their teeth. He also explained, man has really not found a cost efficient way to desalinate water therefore not wasting the fresh supply is important. Perhaps the greatest part of the Earth Balloon is going inside. “When you go inside and are looking at the earth from the inside out, it’s an incredible view.” From inside a representation of the earth’s core along with 200 dots representing the world’s largest cities can be seen. The entire presentation ended up putting the earth’s environmental situation into perspective for all who attended. Most are immediately struck by how small North America
is as compared to the African continent and others.
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