The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently issued its fourth report since 2001 on global warming. The panel is comprised of 2,500 scientists from 130 countries, including the U.S. This report is significant because for the first time the panel unanimously concludes that global warming is “unequivocal” and that human activity is the main cause, “very likely” causing most of the rise in temperature since 1950.
The report states that global warming is here and that we can expect centuries of warming, shifting weather patterns and rising seas due to the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that trap heat. More specifically we can expect more droughts, deadlier heat waves, increased wildfires, increased flooding, shrinking glaciers, rising sea levels, increased damage to a multitude of fragile ecosystems, increased specie extinction, and increased disease from the forced migration of many animals and insects. Not a pretty picture and one that is compounded by the conclusion by the Panel that even if every smokestack and tailpipe stops emissions right now, the remaining heat makes further warming inevitable. The melting process has begun and global warming will continue for a very long time.
The good news is this:
- Congress. There are several Democratic sponsored climate change bills in the works. Next week the House Science and Technology Committee will discuss the U.N. Panel report.
- States. More than 12 states are taking steps to reduce greenhouse gases.
- Cities. More than 375 Mayors have signed pledges since 2005 to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This represents 56 million people in all 50 states. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has just announced that global warming is the number one priority on its top ten list of priorities.
- Industry. Ten major corporations including General Electric, Alcoa, and Dupont have joined forces with several environmental groups to demand swift passage of federal legislation to cut emissions that worsen global warming.
Yes, global warming is here, has been here and will remain for a very long time no matter what we do. But immediate action can slow the impact of climate change and eventually correct this environmental phenomenon. Here is a breakdown of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Carbon dioxide is the leading greenhouse gas.
- Transportation – 33%
- Industrial energy use – 29%
- Residential energy use – 21%
- Commercial energy use – 17%
Some immediate actions that would have an immediate impact are:
- Raise the fuel efficiency standards for all automobile and trucks, use more mass transit, continue to develop alternative fueled vehicles that produce less pollutants.
- Effectively enforce the Clean Air Act and require all industrial resources to obey the law and seek ways to reduce harmful emissions.
- Provide incentives and education to homeowners that foster increased energy conservation and efficiency.
- Provide incentives and education to businesses that foster increased energy conservation and efficiency.
TOP TEN WAYS CONSUMERS CAN REDUCE CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EMISSIONS ANNUALLY
- Lower your thermostat by two degrees in winter and save 400 lbs. of (CO2) annually.
- Don’t use the heat in the drying cycle of your dishwasher – save 200 lbs. of (CO2)
- Use cold water to wash clothes – save 200 lbs.
- Keep your furnace filters clean – save 175 lbs.
- Install low flow showerheads and save 300 lbs.
- Walk, bike, carpool, use mass transit. Every gallon of gas you save avoids 22 lbs. of CO2 annually.
- Insulate your walls and ceiling and save 1500 lbs.
- Invest in a solar water heater and save 8,000 lbs. annually.
- Install a compact fluorescent bulb in a high use lamp and save 260 lbs.
- Plant a tree. Each tree absorbs about 25 lbs. of CO2 from the air every year.
ENERGY TIP
Become an advocate. Question your legislators about their stance on global warming, the environment, renewable energy, and energy conservation. Use their responses to determine whom you vote for. Demand that your utilities provide green power and funding for energy conservation programs for consumers. Become a leader in your community by practicing energy conservation and efficiency in your home, your business, and in your daily life.