Global Warming

Global warming is a “hot” topic these days! Is our planet actually heating up? Are humans responsible? Is there cause for concern? Is there anything we can do about it?

Scientists studying climate change know three things for certain:

• Greenhouse gasses – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide – warm the planet.
• Human activities are adding greenhouse gasses to our atmosphere.
• The Earth’s surface temperature is rising.

It is well documented that atmospheric greenhouse gas levels have increased since industrialization, and that the Earth’s surface temperature has been rising in the last 100 years. Major concerns are that the warming rate has sped up in the past 20 years and that atmospheric greenhouse gasses are rapidly increasing due to human activity.

There are some scientific uncertainties related to global warming: How fast will continued warming occur? What will the effects be? Though these questions may not be resolved for years, the potential threats of climate change include coastal flooding, hurricanes and extreme weather events, widespread disease, and species extinction.

Where do greenhouse gasses come from?

About one-fifth of all global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the United States – that’s 6.6 tons per citizen per year. Of these emissions, nearly 32% come from burning fossil fuels for household electricity and personal transportation. Industry, livestock production, agriculture, and deforestation account for the other 68% of US emissions.

What you can do:

You can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the choices you make in daily life:

• Turn off lights, electronics, and air conditioners when not in use. Lower water heaters to 120 degrees. Purchase Energy Star rated appliances – they can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Install solar water or photovoltaic systems.
• Carpool, take the bus, ride a bike, or walk rather than driving a car. Keep cars tuned up and tires properly inflated. Only purchase cars that are fuel-efficient.
• Recycle everything you can. Buy recycled items, such as paper products, whenever possible. Reduce packaging and the use of shopping bags.
• Adopt a vegetarian diet and buy organic products – the livestock and agriculture industries are huge sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Plant trees – they provide cool shade and absorb carbon dioxide.