Global Warming

The majority of the scientific community has come to the conclusion that humans are responsible for the temperature rise we are now experiencing. As we burn the fossil fuels that we have removed from the earth, we release the carbon dioxide stored in these fuels back into the atmosphere.

As the level of CO2 in our atmosphere increases, more of the suns energy is trapped by the atmosphere, increasing the temperature. In 1850, the atmosphere contained about 280 ppm (parts per million) of CO2. Since that time, the level of CO2 has increased to over 385 ppm. This increase in CO2 levels is responsible for the slight increase in average temperature seen over the past 100 years. As we continue to burn more fossil fuels, we will increase the CO2 level further causing additional temperature increases.

Current atmospheric CO2 levels are higher than at any time in the past 650,000 years!

We also create other chemicals through direct and indirect processes that help to increase global warming.

There are many problems that increased air temperatures can pose for man. Increased ocean levels and changing weather patterns are examples. We have already seen a significant reduction of sea ice at the north pole and on most mountainous glaciers. All this melting ice will produce water that will flow into the oceans, causing an increase in sea levels. Another concern is that sea ice reflects much of the suns heat while the open ocean absorbs heat. As we see continued reductions in the amount of sea ice, we will see increases in ocean temperatures and atmospheric temperatures. Warmer ocean temperatures will produce stronger hurricanes and typhoons. We may also experience changes in rainfall over many parts of the world. These are just a few examples. We really do not know the severity of the problems we will see or how soon we will begin to see these changes.

This is why it is so important to start making changes to our society now. If we do not, by the time we realize the extent of the problem, it will be too late to counteract it.

Links to un-biased information regarding global warming:

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/pastcc.html - Environmental Protection Agency page on Climate Change Science. CO2 concentration data is very disturbing!

http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/ - Union of Concerned Scientists web page on global warming.

http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=517 - The environmental defense fund page on global warming.

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Library/GlobalWarmingUpdate/ - NASA earth observatory site on global warming.

Links to biased or misinformation regarding global warming.
***We consider the information provided in the links below as inaccurate or deliberately false and misleading.***

http://www.globalwarminghoax.com/news.php

Other links for Global Warming Information:

http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html - EPA global warming site for kids.

What actions can you take to help reduce CO2 output and reduce the amount of oil we consume?

Our energy usage is concentrated in a few areas. Below are a some ways in which you can make a difference.

Homes and Businesses - we almost 50% of all our energy in our homes and businesses.

Make new buildings more energy efficient than the norm (attempt a 60% reduction)
Improve the efficiency of existing buildings (upgrade insulation, HVAC and windows)
Make new buildings space efficient (smaller size with more efficient use of space)
Use natural heating and cooling in all buildings when possible
Use natural lighting when possible

Transportation

Stay at home and save fuel
Use none fossil fueled transportation when possible (bicycle, etc)
Use mass transit when possible
Use an alternative fueled vehicle
Car pool
Plan ahead to reduce miles driven
When replacing a vehicle, opt for better fuel efficiency
Avoid unnecessary trips
Avoid flying when possible

Conspicuous Consumption

Only purchase items you truly need (avoid buying junk)
Buy quality when possible (quality items will last longer)
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Energy Production

Purchase green energy when possible
Lobby state and local officials to encourage conservation and green energy production

These are just a few suggestions, there are many, many more. Everything you do to reduce your consumption reduces the energy and materials used.

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