Simple Solutions You Can Do To Stop Global Warming
April 22, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Global warming, experts contend, is an urgent problem-but there are concrete steps every American can take to be part of the solution. There are so many things we do every day that use energy-therefore we have so many opportunities every day to make a difference.
The Problem
When cars, factories and power plants burn fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, they release global-warming pollution. These pollutants accumulate in the atmosphere for many decades, acting like a huge blanket that traps heat. That, in turn, warms our planet. The global-warming pollution, primarily carbon dioxide, emitted from the first model T’s is still in the atmosphere, acting as a thickening layer of insulation. With our increased reliance on fossil fuels, the concentration of these pollutants continues to accumulate, threatening the stability of our climate.
Distinguished scientists across the nation have been surprised by the speed and severity of the issue and its effects on people’s lives: the elderly suffering from heat waves, families whose homes are threatened by floods and eroding coastlines, hunters and anglers watching wildlife disappear and homeowners who are at risk of mudslides.
Scientists are convinced that we now have a small window of time to avoid the most dangerous consequences. If we join together now to solve this problem, they say, our children may be spared even more dramatic effects within their lifetimes.
Some Solutions
An energy-conscious family can reduce its global-warming pollution contribution by over 35,000 pounds per year by taking such simple steps as selecting Energy Star appliances and insulating their house.
You can save money on electricity by installing a programmable thermostat, which reduces global-warming pollution.
If you plan your trips to combine errands, this will reduce emissions, saving gas, wear and tear on your car, and your valuable time.
Whatever kind of vehicle you drive, choosing the most fuel-efficient model in its class is the single most important way to cut global-warming pollution.
“Global warming is the most serious environmental challenge of our time. It is more urgent and its dangers are more fundamental than most Americans realize,” explained Fred Krupp, President of Environmental Defense. “Millions of individual Americans acting together add up to a powerful part of the solution. Many of the transformative solutions will emerge from America, the country with the deepest reservoir of scientists, engineers and bold investors.”
Environmental Defense is a centrist organization dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including the right to clean air, clean water, healthy food and flourishing ecosystems. Guided by science, Environmental Defense works to create practical solutions that win lasting economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-effective and fair.
What Is Global Warming?
April 5, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
What is global warming? In a nutshell it is climate change that is causing the temperature of our planet to rise. Breaking down what is happening to the environment is a complex thing and a broad overview can help many understand better.
When gasses get trapped in the environment and cannot escape this can cause a temperature increase eventually. Climate change is a natural occurrence and would occur without human activity; however, humans are emitting high levels of carbon dioxide into the environment from man made sources such as cars, homes, appliances, and many other contributing sources.
Although climate change is still considered a controversial subject, many people are starting to realize there is an imminent threat. Popular celebrities are bringing temperature change into the limelight and giving it attention.
Most people know about recycling and car emission reduction, but you need to know who you are doing business with. Make sure that the products you buy are used with recyclable materials and do business with the companies that are supporting the environment. Wind and solar power are getting more attention everyday and more research is being done.
The one thing that is still unknown about climate change is when it will happen. Many experts claim that we are already seeing the affects of temperature change and it is a slow process, however if we keep consuming the way we do we will make global warming become a dangerous situation sooner. It is up to us to do our part to help make future generations safe.
How Does Climate Change Affect You?
April 5, 2009 by John McRae · Leave a Comment
Climate change is something that you hear about almost everywhere you go. Most people understand the general concept of what climate change is but many do not know what the long term consequences are.
Global warming is causing the planets temperature to rise steadily. As the temperature rises, the ice on the earth begins to melt and this in turn raises the sea level. This can cause devastating things in the future and it is up to us to help slow this process.
There is not a way to stop this entirely, but there are many ways consumers can help make this process happen slower than what is currently is now. We are wasting so many resources that we are constantly polluting our environment. Something as simple as changing to energy saving light bulbs in the home can help combat this major problem.
If you are going somewhere and can walk or carpool instead of driving your car, this is another great way to contribute to the solution. Hybrid cars are gaining popularity and interest by many consumers. There are many models on the market now and more choices than ever for all tastes and budgets.
If we do nothing global warming will affect us sooner than we think. Some cities that are currently below sea level may be overwhelmingly flooded causing many national tragedies around the world. Although we can never completely stop climate change, it is up to us to give the next generation the tools needed to slow down the process.
