tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6104798.post-1069879769049577242003-11-26T10:44:00.000-10:002003-11-26T10:52:27.686-10:00What is Global Warming? *Carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping pollution -- mainly from cars, power plants and other industrial sources that burn gasoline, coal and other fossil fuels -- that collects like a blanket in the atmosphere. As a result, the planet is getting warmer. *Scientists say that unless global warming emissions are reduced, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century. *With only 4 percent of the world's population, the US produces 25 percent of the carbon dioxide pollution. Today, the United States pumps more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any other country in the world. Each of us contributes about 22 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, whereas the world average per capita is about 6 tons. *Refrigerators consume the most electricity in the home. *Power plants are the largest U.S. source of global warming pollution, producing 2.5 billion tons of heat-trapping pollution every year. *Automobiles are the second-largest U.S. source of heat-trapping pollution, pumping 1.4 billions tons into the atmosphere each year. *Scientists say that unless global warming emissions are reduced, average U.S. temperatures could rise another 3 to 9 degrees by the end of the century *Average temperatures will rise, as will the frequency of heat waves. *Warmer temperatures could also increase the probability of drought. Greater evaporation, particularly during summer and fall, could exacerbate drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. *Warmer temperatures increase the energy of the climatic system and lead to more intense rainfall at some times and in some areas. *More frequent and more intensive heat waves could result in more heat-related deaths, resulting in conditions that could also aggravate local air quality problems, already afflicting more than 80 million Americans. *Global warming is expected to increase the potential geographic range and virulence of tropical diseases. *Rising global temperatures will speed the melting of glaciers and ice caps, and cause early ice thaw on rivers and lakes. How to STOP Global Warming *A car that gets 20 miles per gallon will emit about 50 tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime and Acar getting 40 mpg will emit half that much. *A 40-mpg car will save roughly $3,000 in fuel costs compared with a 20-mpg car. *If all Americans kept their tires properly inflated (and a government study shows that many don't), gasoline use nationwide would come down 2 percent. *Look for the Energy Star label, which identifies the most efficient appliances. *Compact fluorescents last 10 times longer than the incandescent bulbs. What's more, a compact fluorescent will lower your energy bills by about $15 a year, and by more than $60 during its life. It will also keep half a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air. *If you live in a state where you can choose your electricity supplier, pick a company that generates at least half its power from wind, solar energy and other clean sources. Even if you don't have the option to select a supplier, you may still be able to support renewable energy through an option on your electricity bill. *Hybrid gas-electric engines can cut global warming pollution by one-third or more; Honda and Toyota have hybrid models on the market today, and wagon, minivan and SUV models will be available within a year or two from a number of automakers. *If you live in a sunny climate, install a solar thermal system to help provide your hot water. You'll reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions by 720 pounds a year. Consider installing a solar photovoltaic system to generate electricity. *Carpool: Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by 1,590 pounds per year. *The potential carbon dioxide reduction for a car that gets 32 miles per gallon is 5,600 pounds per year. *Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard, and newspapers. Recycling can reduce your home's carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year. *Buy food and other products with reusable or recyclable packaging, or reduced packaging, to save the energy required to manufacture new containers. This simple action could reduce your emissions by 230 pounds a year. *Use recycled paper for your computer printer. More information can be found at: <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/">Natural Resources Defense Council</a> and <a href="http://yosemite.epa.gov/oar/globalwarming.nsf/content/index.html">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a> Alexhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07544557834262276958noreply@blogger.com