Climate Literacy in Education, Volume 3, Issue 2 (Special Issue) 
 
19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Planet Protectors 
Middle School 

Media Specialist 
Florida 

 
 
The following is the transcript of a student-created podcast about the greenhouse effect.  
 

TRANSCRIPT 

Hey everyone, welcome to Planet Protectors. I'm STUDENT.  

And I'm STUDENT, and today we're tackling a super important topic that affects everyone, the 
greenhouse effect.  

Yep, it might sound like gardening, but it's actually a big part of climate change. So, let's dive right 
in while keeping it super middle school friendly. 

Okay, so do you even know what the greenhouse effect really is? Kind of… could you explain it 
really quickly?  

The greenhouse effect is when certain gasses in Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun. These 
glasses include carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor.  

Oh, so it's almost like an invisible blanket that keeps Earth warm enough to live on… 

But here's the problem: humans are adding too many of these gasses, especially from things like 
burning fossil fuels, which is making the blanket way too thick. That's heating up the planet and 
causing climate change. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ec8bQOY5QFBkKIXe33E885Mgny_e13eM/view?usp=sharing


Middle School Media Specialistú Floridaú  Planet Protectors 
 
 

20 

So, I went on vacation with a friend recently. She was talking about how climate scientists are 
studying how rising temperatures can affect ice melting, sea levels, wildfires, droughts and extreme 
storms.  

Wow. 

Yes, she's totally right, and the greenhouse effect is the main reason behind all of that. It's also why 
leaders around the world are making climate agreements and trying to reduce emissions. 

I've been doing a lot of research and found that scientists also track greenhouse gasses using 
satellites and machines. I assume they're finding ways to reduce carbon using new technology like 
carbon capture and renewable energy. 

Isn't the greenhouse effect bad, though?  

It's not bad. It's necessary for life. The problem is [that] people are making it too strong. You 
know, I assumed that it just wasn't real. Weather changes daily. Climate is long term. Even 
scientists agree that climate change is happening, and it's caused by people just like us.  

Do you really think one person can make a difference?  

Of course I do. Small actions equal big impact when lots of people do them. 

Okay, here's the good news, there's a lot we can do, even as kids, like turn off electronics and lights 
when you're not using them walk, bike or carpool when you can reduce, reuse and recycle and 
plant trees or help with the school garden, and also talking about it just like we are right now. 

So, to recap what we covered today: the greenhouse effect keeps Earth warm but too much of it is 
causing climate change. Scientists are working on solutions, and we can help, too. 

Whether it's riding your bike, recycling or planting a tree, you're making a difference. 

That's it for now. Thanks for joining us on Planet Protectors. Keep asking questions, keep learning 
and keep protecting our planet. Bye!