Global Warming Basics

The increase in the Earth’s air and ocean temperature, called global warming, is caused by the trapping and collection of carbon dioxide (CO2) and pollution in the atmosphere. This collection traps the sun’s heat and warms up the planet. The average temperature has increased at the fastest rate in history over the last 50 years, with the 10 hottest years in history occurring since 1990. By 2100, global temperatures will be anywhere from 3 to 9 degrees higher if action is not taken.

Sources of global warming are generally human induced and include:

1) Power plants, particularly coal-burning
2) Automobiles
3) Airplanes
4) Buildings
5) Methane
6) Nitrous oxide
7) Deforestation
8) Permafrost and tundra

Two interesting sources above are permafrost and tundra, which were previous carbon sinks that have now become carbon emitters. CO2 is released from the frozen permafrost and tundra as they melt from global warming itself!

Are bad things going to happen if global warming continues? Are they happening already? Is this really a serious concern? The simple answer to all those questions is… yes.

Here are some impacts from global warming that have already occurred:

1. Wildfires - Colorado, Arizona and Oregon have worst fire seasons ever in 2002
2. Drought - Montana, Colorado and Kansas have worst droughts ever in 2002
3. Floods - Texas, Montana and North Dakota experience some of the worst floods ever
4. Snow accumulation – Cascade Range has had a 60% decline in snow since the 1950s
5. Heat waves – Europe and India have heat waves that result in more than 20,000 deaths in 2003
6. Ice melting – The Arctic’s ice cap is experiencing a 9% declining rate of growth each decade
7. Hurricanes – Hurricanes have greatly increased in power and size over the last 35 years. The category 5 hurricane that hit New Orleans in 2005, Hurricane Katrina, may have increased in size due to higher sea temperatures from global warming.

Additional consequences if global warming is not curtailed include:

-Melting glaciers
-Rising sea levels leading to coastal flooding
-Warmer ocean temperatures and more intense hurricanes
-New pests and more insect-borne diseases
-Disruption of habitats leading to species extinction

The United States is the largest contributor to the global warming problem. With only 4% of the world’s population, the United States produces 25% of the total CO2 through coal and other fossil fuel burning plants. China, India, and Japan combined produce less than the U.S. The outlook is not so grim, as the technologies and solutions exist today to help curtail global warming. The United States can lead the charge to make cleaner running cars and cleaner power plants. You as an individual can reduce your carbon footprint and increase carbon offsets to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions too.

What can you do to help reduce global warming?

1. Learn and educate – Read as much as you can about climate change, pollution, and the greenhouse effect. Join a group to help promote the protection of our planet and educate others.

2. Automobiles – Sell your gas-guzzler and buy a more environmentally friendly vehicle. Reduce your driving through carpooling or public transportation.

3. Energy efficiency - Use energy efficient appliances and light bulbs. Check your windows and home insulation for efficiency. Investigate alternative renewable energy sources, like solar power and windmills.

4. Environmentally-friendly products – Find alternatives for common household items and purchase products made from recycled materials or created with renewable energy.

5. Be heard! – Let your legislators know you want them to develop an energy policy that moves away from fossil fuels. Contact corporations, such as the car-makers and fuel companies, and let them know you want them to produce safe, ecological products.