Global Warming

GLOBAL WARMING

Ø Global warming is the rising of the earth’s temperature. Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1990, with last year being the hottest. Many scientists believe global warming may be rapidly approaching the point of no return. Global warming is caused by greenhouse gas emissions which trap heat in the atmosphere.

Ø Greenhouse gas emissions are human generated, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) to run our power plants, cars, trucks, factories, planes, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, etc. They add to the natural supply of greenhouse gases, as do other heat trapping gases such as methane from conventional farming and the raising of meat for food. Deforestation, the cutting and burning of forests that trap and store carbon, also contributes to global warming. The U.S. produces more greenhouse gas emissions than any other country.

Ø Results could be devastating. If the consensus view on global warming (based on scientific reports) is correct, there could be rising sea levels, increased flooding, ferocious hurricanes, prolonged droughts, sweltering heat, spread of disease, changes in the fresh water supply, the extinction of countless species, and the destruction of precious ecosystems.



WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP STOP GLOBAL WARMING?
· Every little thing we do adds up. Someone said once that if everyone on the planet gave them a penny, they’d be rich! Well, everything you do, added to everything everyone else does, does add up in the same way, and can either be a benefit to our home planet earth or a catastrophe! We can stop global warming and protect our home, if we do it together!!!! · Urge the current Administration and the U.S. Senate to sign the Kyoto Protocol, the landmark treaty which went into effect in 2006 with the hope of curbing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. Almost 160 other nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol emissions reduction target for the U.S. would be 7% below 1990 levels by 2012. · Urge your city to sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement with the intent to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution, including efforts to: reduce the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies, methane recovery for energy generation, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and bio-fuels. The following list is not in any particular order – all are important: · First, Reduce the amount of things you purchase (and purchase smaller, such as homes). Second, Reuse when you can…a throw away society isn’t good for our environment. Third, Recycle after you’ve done the first two. It takes energy to recycle and produce new products from old. And, there also has to be a market for the recycled products. So while also doing the other three, Buy Recycled and Post-consumer products whenever possible!!! · Eat Certified Organic food. Organic farming is less energy intensive than conventional farming. · Eat lower on the food chain (i.e. eat less meat). Methane, a greenhouse gas which is a natural result of bovine digestion (including the manure), has a warming effect that is 23 times that of carbon! Your Big Mac is more responsible for global warming than your car, according to statistics. · Buy locally produced foods (link) and goods to eliminate the energy cost of transporting them, and for local community support! · Make sure tires are properly inflated. Also, buy a fuel efficient car for you next car purchase and share rides whenever possible. · Build in relation to the sun so you can utilize it for passive solar. Also, plant deciduous trees for shade in the summer and sun in the winter when leaves drop. · Intall motion dector lights outside and also use outdoor solar lighting. · Install energy efficient windows and doors or insulate inefficient ones. · Increase home wall and ceiling insulation. · Install low flow toilets and energy efficient showerheads. · Use less water whenever possible, and cold instead of hot. · Encourage everyone to shut off lights and/or install occupancy sensor lighting. · Install skylights or use solar tubes and paint walls a light color. · Install ceiling fans to circulate air instead of air conditioning or turning up the heat. · Keep thermostat turned down during extended times away, and at bedtime. · Wear layers of clothing indoors in the winter instead of turning up the heat. · Switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs and energy efficient appliances. · Use natural light whenever possible, and do light intensive tasks during the day. · Use solar and wind generated power if possible. · Don’t buy disposable plastics and Styrofoam. · Buy higher quality products that last longer instead of cheaper ones that will need to be replaced frequently. · Don’t buy products with excess packaging. · Don’t buy products that come from endangered forests or animals. · Use reusable cups, dishes, and silverware. · Take your own reuseable bag to the grocery store instead of accepting paper or plastic. · Buy reuseable items instead of disposable ones. · Use Forest Stewardship Council Certified wood in construction projects. · Use post-consumer recycled content paper and other post-consumer products to encourage their manufacture and to close the recycling “loop.”
· Use post consumer wood products as opposed to virgin wood products, as trees “store” carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and when trees are cut, this storage “sink” is eliminated.

Dr. Cindy Bates