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| A Global Warning By: Stephanie Jelenic Deb If you have never heard the term “Global Warming” the first question you might have is; what exactly is Global Warming? Well, Global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere and oceans in recent decades and its expected continuation into the future. Next, you might wonder; what causes Global warming? Global Warming is primarily caused by greenhouse |
| gases such as carbon dioxide, which are trapped by our atmosphere. To put this more simply; adding carbon dioxide to the earth’s atmosphere is making the planet’s surface warmer. Although greenhouse gases are necessary for human life, in the last 200 years human activity has released more carbon dioxide then our planet can handle. Let’s take a look at some Global warming facts: - Most of the United States has already warmed in some areas by as much as 4 degrees Fahrenheit. No state in the lower 48 states experienced below average temperatures in 2002. The last three five year periods are the three warmest on record. - Average temperatures worldwide have increased by 0.6 Celsius, which is enough to raise sea levels and change rainfall patterns. - The number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the past 30 years. - Glaciers in British Columbia have shrunk by 16 percent in total between the years of 1985 and 2000. - The flow of ice glaciers in Greenland has more then doubled over the past decade. - At least 279 species of animals and plants are already responding to Global warming by moving closer to the poles. |
Now you’re probably wondering; what will happen if Global warming continues? Well, this is the really scary part. If Global warming continues, we can expect awful consequences. First and most obviously are the warmer temperatures that are in store for us. Warmer temperatures mean that average temperatures will rise, as will the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Heat waves could result in more heat related deaths; these conditions could also result in the spread of tropical diseases. |
Another consequence will be more intense rainstorms; as the warmer temperatures increase, the energy of the climatic system will lead to more rainfall in some areas. Droughts and wildfires will occur more often as well. Also we can expect more |
| can expect more powerful and dangerous hurricanes because warmer water pumps more energy into tropical storms, ultimately resulting in a more destructive hurricane pattern. Other consequences will include; The Artic ocean becoming ice free by the year 2050, global sea levels could rise 20 feet with the loss of shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica, more then one million species could be driven to extinction by the year 2050 and worst of all; deaths from Global warming will double in just 25 years – to 300,000 a year. The good news is that there are many ways we can help put a stop to global warming. Here are 20 ways that you can make a difference. (1) Change A light bulb – Replace you conventional bulbs with the “Energy Star” labeled bulbs, this will not only help the environment, but it will also save you money on your bills. (2) Plant A Tree – Plant trees in your community. Trees provide a microclimate and sustained moisture for you. Trees suck up carbon dioxide and make clean air for us to breath. (3) Use Green Power – Green Power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources, such as; the sun and the wind. (4) Conserve gas – Carpooling saves fuel. Other options are to purchase a fuel efficient or Hybrid car, walking, and bicycling. (5) Recycle – Recycle newspaper, paper, glass, aluminum, motor oil, unneeded electronic items, and tin. (6) Avoid – Avoid using Styrofoam – it can’t be recycled. Avoid disposable plates, cups and utensils. (7) Use Water Efficiently – Take shorter showers, do not let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, and do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. (8) Be Green In The Yard – Use a push mower instead of gas and electric mowers. (9) Fill Your Dishwasher – Fill your dishwasher only when you have a full load. (10) Unplug Unused Electrics – Even if the electric device is turned off, it still uses energy, so be sure to unplug it if your not using it. (11) Adjust Your Thermostat - Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer. Wear warmer clothes instead of turning up the heat. (12) Buy Organic Food – Buy foods that are pesticide- free and organic, but foods without preservatives, buy locally grow produce, and avoid highly processed foods. (13) Air Dry Your Clothes - Line-dry your clothes in the spring and summer instead of using the dryer. (14) Watch A Movie – View An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary about Global Warming by Al Gore. Ask friends and family to watch it as well. (15) Reuse - Reuse plastic bags and egg cartons. (16) Don’t be a Litter Bug – do not litter. Pick up litter near you house, school, and community. (17) Research – learn more about global warming, explore plants and animals in your region, and share your wisdom with friends and family. (18) Start a Garden – volunteer to start or help with a community garden, or start your own small garden in your kitchen or backyard to grow your own food. (19) Check your schools climate impact - High school students can investigate the link between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. [ http://www.epa.gov/ttn/chief/conference/ei16/session3/steuer.pdf ] (2o) Take Action - Get involved and speak up, spread the word, start a Global warming activist group, write letters to your representatives, or volunteer to maintain local parks. I have listed here only 20 ways that you can make a difference, there are many more. Global warming can be prevented if each and every one of us helps to make a difference. The majority of scientists agree that Global warming is real and it is happening. We can solve this problem; there is no doubt about it. So please, help save our environment and consider this your Global Warning. |
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