Logo Cover Page Personal Finance Wellness and beauty food and household Green Living Education and technology Leisure
     
 
 
 
Global Warming 101 Go Back
 
 
     
Warm  
Global Warming refers to the warming of the global environment and the repercussions we face as inhabitants of this planet.  As the planet warms there are many things that happen to cause a breakdown in the eco-system we’ve grown accustomed to over millions of years.   It is generally believed by the scientific community that this warming is responsible for increases in frequency and severity of hurricanes, droughts, storms, floods, and forest fires.

Some of the warmest years in the past 20 on record have occurred since 1980.  Three of the warmest years ever recorded occurred in the past eight years.  At a time when geologically the Earth should be cooling down, instead we have increasingly warmer temperatures.  The result is melting ice caps and glaciers threatening extinction of species like the Polar Bear, deforestation, and stronger storms like hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

Most frightening of all is the specter of a point of no return where it will be too late to reverse the situation.  As a consumer, you are part of the cause of the problem and certainly part of the solution in acting to reducing your personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary cause for Earth’s warming. 

Green House Effect
Earth’s atmosphere consists of a layer of gas that surrounds the planet including CO2, methane, and water (H2O).    This gas ring is what makes life on earth possible by protecting animal and planet life from a direct hit from the sun’s powerful rays.   Some of the sun’s energy is reflected back into space by Earth’s glaciers and polar ice caps, but most is stored in our atmosphere warming oceans, land, and making life on Earth possible.  This process is called the Greenhouse Effect

Man’s burning of fossil fuels (CO2) to heat our homes and fuel our cars is drastically increasing the amount of CO2  in the atmosphere causing a build up of gases around the Earth, making it warmer.  Add to that man’s deforestation of the world’s forests so there are less environmentally helpful, carbon-eliminating trees.

The whole notion that man’s activities could drastically change or even end life on Earth has brought increased attention globally from all nations, acknowledging the responsibility we share as caretakers of the Earth.   The Kyoto Agreement signing took place in 1997.  It is a legally binding agreement between countries to meet emissions reduction targets of all greenhouse gases by 2012 relative to 1990 levels.  The U.S. did not sign the agreement.  However, the environment is a top-priority for the Obama Administration .  The US has now pledged to lead the fight against climate change as it ushers in a new era of clean, renewable energy use.
 
 
KWIK TIP:
Save about $30 with the use of just one compact florescent light bulb that uses 75% less energy and lasts 10 times longer.
 
 

Global warming seems like such a huge problem it’s hard to imagine how we as individuals can help, but we can.

Be Part of the Solution
With every small thing we do to decrease our carbon footprint  we lessen our impact on the environment.   We can help mediate climatic problems now as we work to preserve the world around us for the generations to come.

There are many ways you as a consumer can help to slow down or eliminate global warming. One of the easiest and most immediate things you can do is let your elected officials know that establishing green living policies is a critically important issue and one in which they should support the President’s efforts.    You too can do your part to help preserve our environment.  

Start at home -- plant a tree to offset your carbon footprint, use compact florescent light bulbs , replace older household appliances and home fixtures with newer energy-efficient models.  You’ll save money on improvements you make, often bringing down utility costs by hundreds of dollars a year.  

Investigate and invest in energy efficient home improvements like solar panels, tank less water heaters, or even skylights.  Purchase fuel-efficient cars, and always Recycle, Reuse and Preserve.   By taking the time to understand how everyone has an impact on the cause and the solution for the Global Warming, you can work to reduce your family’s contribution in everyday small ways. 
What’s Your Carbon Footprint? >>
Composting:  Makin’ Pay Dirt >>
Global Warming 101 >>
Make Eco-Friendly Cleaners >>
Kid-Conservation: H2O >>
   
 
 
 
 
Side Banner