Monday, December 24, 2012

Green Solutions to Global Warming

There is much concern at the present time about the increasing addition of green house gases to the earth's atmosphere. A prominent greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. This gas is produced when fossil fuels are burnt to produce energy for driving our automobiles or for producing electricity in power plants. It is believed that increasing addition of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will result in adverse changes to the earth's climate such as global warming to the extent that many presently inhabited areas of our planet will become inhabitable.
As a result of the concern caused by the emission of carbon dioxide from power plants it has been proposed that the use of fossil fuels should be restricted and a greater emphasis should be laid on alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power.
There is however another route to reducing green house gases that may in the long run prove to be the most beneficial route towards improving the life sustaining qualities of our planet. This route is to green the planet. Carbon dioxide is to plant life what oxygen is to human and animal life. Plants need it for their growth and sustenance. Every time a tree is grown, it absorbs and converts some atmospheric carbon dioxide to useful organic materials. This absorption of carbon dioxide is rapid in the early growing phase of a tree. Absorption of carbon dioxide continues throughout the life cycle of a tree because trees continue to produce fresh foliage year after year.
Large portions of our planet have been deforested through recent human activity. While some deforestation is required for agricultural purposes there is much that can be avoided. In addition very large parts of our planet are large deserts or barren land not suitable for agriculture. These latter tracts are ideally suited for increasing green forests on earth. In ancient times they were green. It is for this reason that petroleum is found in such areas. Modern science and technology has made feasible the planting of select varieties of trees in dry desert areas. It is true that there is a cost involved in planting forests. Some of these can be recovered if the money that is being used for developing and subsidizing alternative energy sources is diverted for this purpose. More can be generated if the industries emitting carbon dioxide are levied an additional tax for forestations
The source of fossil fuels is green organic matter that once grew on earth's surface. In ancient times this got buried under the surface and converted into coal, gas and crude petroleum oil. Bringing it back to the surface of the earth through mining is the first step towards returning this green material to the earth's surface. The second step is its combustion to produce carbon dioxide.
The final step is the conversion of this carbon dioxide to plants and trees through human effort. The green house gas emitting industry is already doing a commendable job of the first two steps of this cycle. However, we as a civilization have lagged behind in the last step towards greening our planet. Urgent attention must be given to this last step. If not done, it will result in the conversion of some of this green gas into materials such as inorganic carbonates through natural processes. Calcium carbonate is one such product. One converted into an inorganic form the carbon becomes unavailable for creating biomass. The result is a planet that is more barren than it has ever been before. Large scale planting of trees that reduce barren tracts of earth, including the Sahara Desert is the route to go if humans are seriously interested in improving our planet over the short as well as the long term.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Knowing of All-around Global Warming

Global abating is authentic as the access of temperature boilerplate of the atmosphere, sea and acreage earth. At this time the apple is abating rapidly. According to the meteorologist, during the aftermost hundred years, the boilerplate temperature has added from 15oC to be 15.6oC. Results of barometer added authentic by meteorology base abstracts and accessory abstracts back 1957, shows that ten years hottest is occurred afterwards 1980, three years hottest occurred afterwards 1990. The quantitative changes in the amount of the boilerplate temperature this apple is actual baby but the appulse of the amazing environment.

Main account of all-around abating is afire deposit fuels, like coal, oil and accustomed gas, which absolution carbon dioxide and added gases such as methane, chlorofluoroc carbon, sulfur and so forth. The extrication of gases has acquired the actualization of a abnormality alleged the Glass Abode Aftereffect (green abode effect).

Greenhouse aftereffect occurs because the gases were appear from the afire of deposit fuels such as greenhouse. Greenhouse radiation aperture is abbreviate beachcomber radiation from the sun, but will authority the absorption of solar radiation that alcove the earth's surface, changes to continued beachcomber radiation. During the sun is shining, the accession will action so that the radiation temperature in the greenhouse will be warm.

In general, the accompaniment automated countries such as USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan and Canada are the better greenhouse gas producer, so they are best amenable countries for All-around warming. To abrogate abrogating angel absorbed to the automated countries, they generally allege of developing countries such as Indonesia and Brazil accept the backwoods area, additionally took albatross for all-around abating due to logging practices. In actuality the appeal of copse stoke in the automated countries are abundantly met from logging forests in developing countries.

Impact of all-around abating that occurred in anniversary country is altered because the actuality of altitude in anniversary country is altered and consists of tropics and subtropics. In the Subtropics country that has 4 seasons, abnormally the appulse of all-around abating changes action in the added acute temperatures during summer (temperatures over summer) and during winter (temperature of added cold). While the appulse occurred in close regions, abnormally affect the about-face in division (beginning and end of the backing division or drought) and added cases of ache outbreaks. In addition, the appulse is acquainted by the island nation is a blackmail to the bargain breadth of the bank due to ascent sea akin due to the cook of band in the arctic ice.

The appulse acquired the all-around abating that is actual assorted appulse on the weather, college sea front, agricultural, beastly and bulb and animal health.

Due to all-around warming, temperature in the winter and the black will increase. Added rainfall, the baptize will clear added bound from the ground, appropriately some areas will become dry from the previous. Hurricane storms action added frequently.

Global abating will cook added ice in the poles. As a result, akin of sea apparent about the apple accept added 10-25 cm during the 20th century. Predicted in the 21st century, there will be a aerial access in the face of baptize amid 9"88 cm. According to the calculations of experts IPPC (International Panel on Altitude Change), accretion 100 cm of sea apparent will be asphyxiate 6 percent the Netherlands, 17.5 percent of the Bangladesh. And bags of baby islands in Indonesia will be drowned.

Outbreaks of ache that is usually begin in close areas, such as malaria and dengue agitation predicted will be added by 60%.


http://stopglobalwarmingen.webs.com/

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Global Warming or Something Else?

The scientific community says global warming. While some people say something else. 15 years ago in southern California, the temperature rarely reached 100 degrees nowadays 100 degrees temperature is becoming very common, and if the trend continues weather extremes is in the near future.
Yes, extremes, allow me to explain, we all know that in the summer time the temperature has risen by more than a few degrees in the last few years, and everybody talks about it, as they should.
But, that is not the only change in the climate, just think about this, The east coast of The United States has seeing blizzard after blizzard, almost non stop during the winter in the past 5 years.
So when scientists say global warming, they should say something about the cooling effect that we are experiencing also.
Almost everybody knows that the temperature of the sea is rising and the ice cap is melting and that is why the scientific community calls this occurrence, Global warming, but for somebody who is in the middle of a blizzard the term "global warming" sounds like a very bad joke.
That could be one of the reasons why some people dismiss any argument about global warming, I am not saying, it is not happening, what I think is that until all the people realize how serious this is, and I mean all the people. Scientist should call it "extreme climate" or some other name that they can come up with, as long as is a name that makes sense to people who live in places like the east coast of The United States.
They should come up with a name that makes sense, regardless of where you are, either in southern California in the middle of a 105 degrees summer day or in Chicago during the Winter in the middle of a blizzard.

http://stopglobalwarmingen.webs.com/


Sunday, October 14, 2012

Global Warming Caused By the Green-House Effect

The green-house effect is the most important cause behind global warming. In fact global warming is known as the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon leads to an increase in the Earth temperature due to certain gases like CO2, nitrous oxide, and methane. These gases trap the energy from the sun and without them the heat would go back into space and Earth would be one massive iceberg. Since these gases warm the Earth, they are known as greenhouse gases.
In the last couple of decades, people have started using glass houses to grow plants in winter and these are called greenhouses. Typically, these houses will trap the heat from the sun. The glasses in the greenhouse let the light through and at the same time prevent the heat from escaping.
As a result, the greenhouse heats up to keep the plants alive in the winter. Similarly, the greenhouse gases in the Earths atmosphere work like the glass and prevent the heat from escaping. The sunlight enters piercing through the cloud of greenhouse gases and when it reaches the Earths surface, it is absorbed by land, water, and air.
After absorption the same energy is sent back into the atmosphere. Some of it remains trapped in the atmosphere due to the greenhouse gases and this energy makes the Earth warmer. Since there has been an increase in CO2 emissions in the last couple of decades, more and more heat is being absorbed in the atmosphere. This is increasing the temperature of the Earth gradually and causing global warming.

Monday, August 27, 2012

5 Ways to Stop Global Warming at Home

Carbon dioxide in atmosphere also results in global warming. Projects are undertaken on internal level to stop it all across the globe. We as an individual can also be part of this fight against Global Warming by taking care of few things at home and in our daily life. Below mentioned are the ways by which we can actually fight its Problem:
Way 1: Use compact fluorescent Bulbs: By using fluorescent bulbs, not just we will save money as they have much longer life than the basic light bulbs; we will also save power and can stop some portion of the carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere.
Way 2: Use recycled paper & cloth bag: Try and always use only recycled paper as this will save trees from getting cut down. This will not just avoid release of gases in atmosphere as if not recycled; the paper will be burnt, but also will save the trees. Also, start carrying your own cloth bag while shopping to avoid plastic bags. This will not only reduce the garbage but also will save extra energy consumption which goes in making these plastic bags.
Way 3: Buy less packaged food and that too organic: If you will buy food with less packaging, this will help to lessen the amount of litter and garbage around. This garbage gets burnt and again releases harmful gases in the atmosphere which in turn increases the level of global warming. Also, try and buy organic food items as they are not made using harmful chemicals. These chemicals when used in farming pollute the water ad the food items.
Way 4: Carpool: We all want to flash our own cars. Instead of doing that everyday, try and do that on turns. Start Carpool. This will save the fuel and will also result in less pollution. Hence, it will result in cutting down the Global Warming across.
Way 5: Plant Trees: The most effective way in which we can start our fight against its at home is by planting trees.
We can do that on special occasions like our birthdays, anniversaries and even New Year's Day. More and more trees around will help to cut down the global warming problem by releasing life saving gases in the atmosphere. Trees also will help by absorbing harmful gases from the atmosphere around.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Global Warming, Climate Change and the Need for Change in Human Practices

Global warming has become an issue of discussion which affects our humanities sustainability and our local as well as global ecosystem. The issue of global warming cannot be discussed without its negative effects on the environment, its causes of climate change and how this then trickles down to affecting humans. Essentially, global warming is caused by both climate change, but mainly the actions of humans and society as a whole. A brief discussion about climate change will inform this essay, then the negative effects of global warming will be described, followed by the positive changes needed in Canada, in order to defuse and reduce the risks of global warming. Solutions and recommendations to reduce the detrimental effects of global warming will be proposed, and the position will be taken, that the greatest importance is to take care of the negative consequences of global warming because we are in dire need of dealing with the damaging effects.
One the most impactful changes to the ecosystem are the forces of climate change. One of the causes of climate change is the consequence of global warming. When global warming occurs, it affects temperature and precipitation. This in turn will affect any living creature, such as fauna, vegetation, humans and all living things on the planet. When global warming happens, it causes an imbalance and various regions. Prairie ecozones will grow and forested ecozones will contract as precipitation levels fall. Furthermore, due to droughts caused in the Prairie Potholes, this then creates a reduction in population of varying species. It has been said that Thirty to fifty percent of prairie ponds will hold less water by spring 2060. This factor will in turn cause a reduction in ducks settling to breed in these usual areas. Due to the different animal cycles being disturbed, insects, animals used a prey and foods usually available for animals, will be jeopardized.
Directly related to the phenomenon of global warming, are the changes that occur in particular seasons. Spring migration is happening earlier in the year and fall migration is occurring later for many types of species. Sadly, the climate change caused by global warming then causes a plethora of extinctions. The reason for this rise in the annihilation of certain species is because many are incapable of adjusting to the rapid climate changes. One species that global warming is affecting today is polar bears. In both Canada and the U.S, polar bears are in the Endangered Species Act due to the high rate of melting ice. As a result, climate change will inevitably affect the cycle of the ecosystem, which then influences the way energy and chemicals flow through carnivores, herbivores, soil organisms and plants. Interaction between predators and prey structure the food webs, causing changing conditions in the food chain.
The cause of global warming is ultimately related to the shift in the atmosphere, caused by gases that humans are causing. Scientifically, global warming refers to an increase in the earth's average surface temperature, one aspect of climate change. After absorbing radiation emitted from the surface, greenhouse gases subsequentially reemit infrared energy of slightly different wavelengths. Some of those gases travel back downward, warming the troposphere and the planet's surface in a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect. Therefore, global warming refers to the ability of one molecule of a greenhouse gas to contribute to warming. Although greenhouse gases are one cause of global warming, it has been found that the most negative cause of global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2), the most potent of greenhouse gases. As Dr. Withgott mentiones "... carbon dioxide's abundance in our emissions makes it the major anthropogenic contributor to global warming". Another reason for the plight of global warming is the release of methane (CH4) we humans cause when raising livestock that emit methane as metabolic waste. Since 1750, atmospheric methane concentrations have risen 250%, and today's concentration is the highest by far in more than 65, 0000 years. It has also been recorded that human activities have also augmented atmospheric concentrations of nitrous oxides. These greenhouse gases, by-products of feedlots, chemical manufacturing plants, auto emission, and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, have risen by 18%. After looking at the negative effects that climate change and global warming has on our humanity and on our earth, I decided to look into solutions that we could take individually and as a global community to decrease the effects of global warming and slow its progress.
Due to the high number of cities like Toronto that are experiencing similar situations and even worse, a discussion to propose solutions needs to occur. Here, I will be looking at varying places in Canada to identify some key actions to a healthier environment. Many cities are already experiencing environmental downfalls like pollution and smog. Hence, there needs to be sustainability plans in place to diminish the effect of city urbanization on the environment. First and foremost, the reduction of using cars is necessary. Public transportation, bikes, car pooling are all options that can reduce the density in cities and can disable negative environmental conditions like smog and pollution. Another problem that most urbanized cities face is lack of space. If the reduction of space in cities is made a priority, then we would see immediate changes in the climate of these cities. Using less land for housing and retailers will make more room for more public transit and the rejuvenation of natural land and resources. Along similar lines in reference to housing, when new buildings and urban systems are designed, they could have designs that reduce energy waste. An example of this is shown when new builders build edifices to last longer and policies need to be in place in order to encourage sustainability. Another way to reduce space is combining retail and housing into one building.
During construction, the choice of material can also make a difference. Using materials such as pravtex boards, which are made of almost 90 - 95% of waste wood that is which provides a variety of boards for different applications such as walls, floors and roofs. Boards are applied over the structural elements of buildings to form a continuous, insulated, breathable shell. Moreover, lime-hemp, aerated clay block, aerated recycled concrete and sheep's wool insulations are compatible with and capable of enhancing the energy performance of more established materials. All of these supplies can be upgrades to older houses and do not need to be used in new buildings or homes. Finally, the "green roof technology" is an interesting way in cleaning the air. Green roof technology is a refurbished roof with growing plants, shrubs and trees. These ideas will improve the current conditions of cities and coincide with "green" ways of building and renovating.
Another solution worth mentioning is the Kyoto Protocol. This protocol involves thirty-eight developed countries monitoring their toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, in order for these amounts not to exceed their assigned amounts. The control of the percentage of gases released into the atmosphere is matained through an incentive program. Emission credits are granted to individuals or businesses that reduce gas emission rates as a result of changed practices. In Toronto for example, the city has a number of plans that would provide incentive to residents and businesses to encourage communities be more "green" and be environmentally friendly. The Home Energy Assistance program pays residents up to a thousand dollars when they upgrade their home insulation is one example of such a program. Recently, another program was launched, whereby harmful green house gas emissions and smog causing pollutants secreted in lawn mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers, are reduced. It is these types of programs that create a domino effect of town hall meetings where people are encouraged to become involved in sharing their ideas about environmentally safe actions and daily activities. The positive aspect of these meetings is that there are environmental specialists participating, providing tips to residents on how to decrease the amount of toxicities in the air by changing the way one upkeeps their laws and being mindful of harmful household products. In our homes, we can make a conscious decision to use natural cleaning products and energy saver sources of light that are not harmful to the environment once sent away to our garbage landfills. Moreover, renovations of homes can be consciously eco-friendly by deciding to use "greener" materials.
Along with these conscious changes, there are the programs that come to mind as being helpful to Canadian cities like Toronto. The first is the Natural Step, which is a great program that works with neighbourhoods in Canada. Borrowed from this program in Sweden during the 1980s, it is a program that endorses a science based definition of sustainability and strategic planning. The focus of this program is to eliminate overall synthetic chemicals released in our environment. The second comes from an idea from the Netherlands. Their communities have created a "greenhouse powered neighbourhood". This locality relies on solar heat that is collected and then stored in local groundwater, used to warm greenhouses during the colder months. The third stems from the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, whereby a sustainable community is being built. This space in Vancouver utilizes the natural hydrology of the area for design, landscaping and infiltration systems, to preserve the absorption of rainfall into the ground. The goal of this system is to use natural energy and transform this energy into efficient as well as useful, sustainable sources.
To conclude, the onus is on humans to create solutions and systems that will minimize the dangerous effects that global warming and climate change have on our cities, populations and the environment. The demanding lifestyles, high standards of living and intense usage of energy supported by fossil fuels in countries like Canada, are violations against our environment. The harmful effects of the continuation of such lifestyles need to be understood locally and globally. We are in dire need of environmental experts to find strategies that will encourage and reward everyone for their contribution. It is then that these environmentally friendly lifestyles can replace our old habits and can be passed to the next generation to come.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Knowing of Global Warming

Global warming is defined as the increase of temperature average of the atmosphere, sea and land earth. At this time the earth is warming rapidly. According to the meteorologist, during the last hundred years, the average temperature has increased from 15oC to be 15.6oC. Results of measuring more accurate by meteorology station data and satellite measurements since 1957, shows that ten years hottest is occurred after 1980, three years hottest occurred after 1990. The quantitative changes in the value of the average temperature this earth is very small but the impact of the extraordinary environment.
Main cause of global warming is burning fossil fuels, like coal, oil and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane, chlorofluoroc carbon, sulfur and so forth. The extrication of gases has caused the emergence of a phenomenon called the Glass House Effect (green house effect).
Greenhouse effect occurs because the gases were released from the burning of fossil fuels such as greenhouse. Greenhouse radiation leak is short wave radiation from the sun, but will hold the reflection of solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface, changes to long wave radiation. During the sun is shining, the accumulation will occur so that the radiation temperature in the greenhouse will be warm.
In general, the state industrial countries such as USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan and Canada are the biggest greenhouse gas producer, so they are most responsible countries for Global warming. To neutralize negative image attached to the industrialized countries, they often accuse of developing countries such as Indonesia and Brazil have the forest area, also took responsibility for global warming due to logging practices. In fact the demand of wood stoke in the industrialized countries are largely met from logging forests in developing countries.
Impact of global warming that occurred in each country is different because the fact of climate in each country is different and consists of tropics and subtropics. In the Subtropics country that has 4 seasons, especially the impact of global warming changes occur in the more extreme temperatures during summer (temperatures over summer) and during winter (temperature of more cold). While the impact occurred in tropical regions, especially affect the shift in season (beginning and end of the rainy season or drought) and increased cases of disease outbreaks. In addition, the impact is felt by the island nation is a threat to the reduced length of the coastline due to rising sea level due to the melt of layer in the polar ice.
The impact caused the global warming that is very diverse impact on the weather, higher sea front, agricultural, animal and plant and human health.
Due to global warming, temperature in the winter and the evening will increase. Increased rainfall, the water will evaporate more quickly from the ground, consequently some areas will become dry from the previous. Hurricane storms occur more frequently.
Global warming will melt more ice in the poles. As a result, level of sea surface around the world have increased 10-25 cm during the 20th century. Predicted in the 21st century, there will be a high increase in the face of water between 9"88 cm. According to the calculations of experts IPPC (International Panel on Climate Change), increasing 100 cm of sea surface will be drown 6 percent the Netherlands, 17.5 percent of the Bangladesh. And thousands of small islands in Indonesia will be drowned.
Outbreaks of disease that is usually found in tropical areas, such as malaria and dengue fever predicted will be increased by 60%.
The fact that the result shows that the heat wave that occurred in June 2003 killed 25,000 European people. Meanwhile, according to BBC reports, the extreme winter conditions that occurred in December 2003, has been caused the death of the UK citizen in 2500. Even according to the WHO report in December 2003, global warming has killed 150 thousand people each year. According to WHO estimates, in 30 years, mortality caused by global warming will be reached 300 thousand per year.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

When it Rains, it Pours! Global Warming Alert!

How good it was after the rain came. The Sun was taken out by the rain for a couple of hours. Rainfall became the solution and the relief after suffering a white hot weekend. Everything that happens in our mother earth has a reason underneath. Just imagine the Metro Manila, Philippines had a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature so far this year. We were frying to death here. Although the white dominates the Philippines, it also gives economic problem to us.
The electricity and water bill were increasing. Thus, these will cause another headache to their customers. Due to the existing problem on bills payment, as customers we should utilize intelligently are resources such as water and electricity. Global Warming is increasing its effect. We need to do something to help the mother earth. Switching off the lights and electrical appliances when not in use will help a lot. Prevention of waste incineration will prevent reproduction of carbon monoxide. The use of green charcoal rather than wood charcoal will also help. Contrasting wood charcoal, the emission of "green charcoal" is not grimy, due to the fact that it only releases hydrogen and not carbon dioxide, which is being blamed as one of the major causes of global warming and climate change.
Well back to our title, how refreshing to have the rain present here. I wonder how I can enjoy the rain after all it last for an hour. A rain plus a coffee will give a good combination. For those who are coffee lovers, it's your time to make some coffee now. I forgot that we are not in the same country. What is your climate now at your hometown? If the season is cold, you need warm foods that will balance your thermal status. Example of warm foods and drinks are hot breakfast, hot chocolate, hot coffee, different flavored soups and hot dishes. Not just food, but also what you should wear and do. Sweater is a must or other clothes that has a thick layer of clothing. Cold weather Exercise will also help in this case. Metabolism increases to warm and humidify the air you breathe and you tend to burn slightly more calories to stay warm. Just remember to hydrate yourself in this season. Dehydration may occur due to the fact that breathing in cold, dry air forces your body to warm and humidify that air and with each exhalation, you lose significant amounts of water.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Global Abating - New Threats, Challenges and Opportunities

As our planet continues to balmy up and both the atmospheric CO2 and baptize levels abide to rise, there will be an access in the insect, rodent and vermin population. You anticipate we've got a rat botheration in big cities appropriate now? Wait until the year 2050 back the temperature of our apple is accepted to acceleration by anywhere from 0.5 to 1 amount Celsius.

We will absolutely charge abundant added able annoyance ascendancy technologies and lots and lots of abrasion accessories that work. It's time to advance in the stocks of annoyance ascendancy giants.

Air conditioning and cooling technologies will charge to be bigger rapidly after of advance application the aforementioned coolants that are partially amenable for the burning of the blast band in the aboriginal place.

Since abating oceans will additionally bang up a lot added storms and hurricanes with aberrant strength, we would additionally be attractive at two reliable sources of chargeless and renewable ability - apprehension and waves.

Our scientists charge abide their beat assignment to accouter the ability of behemothic after-effects and angry apprehension to alter oil and added resource-depleting age-old ammunition sources. Back looked at from such an angle, all-around abating can additionally present the best befalling altruism anytime had to advance renewable activity technologies.

Our historians and archaeologists should additionally renew their efforts to archive abounding age-old sites which will be submersed back the baptize levels rise. There are a lot of such age-old structures, temples, charcoal and palaces back abounding age-old civilizations were formed on river deltas. Those deltas will be the aboriginal pieces of absolute acreage absent back the baptize levels activate to rise. We accept to plan advanced to accomplish abiding that the accepted ancestry of the animal ancestors will survive this new claiming which threatens not alone our concrete beings but our cultural and aesthetic expressions, that is, our aggregate identities, as well.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Global Warming - Solutions - Hydro-Generator

Expert Author Jim Petersen
Global warming's a fact. You don't need to look very far nowadays to see the effects of it around us. More and more people accept the fact that changing over from fossil based fuels to other viable alternatives is the answer, personally I believe that's right.
So that brings one to the next step, choosing which alternative source of power suits you best? The most obvious one is something where the technology already exists and is well developed.
This naturally leads you to 'sun, wind and water'. Sun being solar power, wind is of course wind turbines and generators while water leads you to hydro-electric power systems.
These hydro or water powered systems are what I'd like to talk about here. They're easily built and small ones can easily power the average home.
Unfortunately most people associate these systems with huge ones which operate beside enormous dams housing huge banks of such equipment. Such ones are their very large cousins so to speak, but that doesn't mean you can't scale down the concept to one the size to power a home.
The fact is you can build a small one such as that rather inexpensively in your garage or home workshop. One very capable of powering the average house with ease.
It's true, you can, all you need to do is fulfil a few basic criteria to do it. The first is to have access to water pressure sustained by gravity feed, like from a dam or raised water tank. The second, a means of directing that water pressure through a water-wheel, usually through a water pipe of 40-50mm diameter.
Third, a conventional electric generator to couple your water-wheel onto. If you meet these three basic requirements you can easily make your own hydro-electric generator.
The water-wheel set up is best made as a fully sealed, welded, stainless steel unit that can easily be joined into the down-hill side of the water pipe close to your house and there coupled to the generator. On, off control provided by a stop valve on the up-hill side of the water-wheel.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

True Facts About Global Warming

In spite of the advancement of our technology, why is it that the problem with global warming is yet a big issue? And with the extreme environmental conditions and changing weather patterns, why are the true facts about global warming still being disputed? As we understand how the different global warming facts impact on our lives, we should stop arguing and just keep in mind our respective roles in preventing further damage from occurring like the storm effects of El Nino, La Nina and the havoc brought on our environment.
Being responsible citizens of this planet, we have a pressing duty to communicate the true facts about global warming to all, but how are we going to start such communication? It will be so important to be of great awareness about the accurate facts and we can only do this by continual study. Among the first things that we should know is the correct details on the history of the earth, which is created almost 4 Billion years ago. Our planet's atmosphere contained less than 1% oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was as low as 190 parts per million as of the last Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago.
In 2007, over 800 Million Motor Vehicles have accounted for 80% of all transport-related energy use. The warmest years on record were 1998 and 2005.
Global warming is also induced once there are changes in land use like when forests are converted from wild agricultural plantations to rangelands then from rangelands to farmed agricultural land, and then finally to urban areas. Deforestation, over cultivation, desertification, overgrazing, and salinity - also reduce the net uptake of carbon dioxide, increasing global warming. The forests in 3rd world countries are shattered and cause carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, letting smoke and embers to take carbon levels in the air to a higher stage. Carbon molecules act together with other chemicals in the air to produce a greenhouse effect. Researches say that in 10 years or so, climate change will significantly bring out worse effects on humans and other living things. So knowing these true facts about global warming, we should take our individual responsibilities seriously before it's too late.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Stop Global Warming; Stop Cutting Down the Trees

If we really care about the CO2 in the atmosphere then we need to cut down less trees and re-plant those we have already taken out, then plant another 6 Billion more, yes that is a Billion with a "B". Land Clearing, deforestation and other issues is a huge calamity.
Of we read Jared; "Collapse" one thing he mentioned in his book was; "Wonder what the inhabitants of Easter Island were thinking when they cut down the last tree?" And today in Bangladesh, we know. On the Olympia Peninsula in Washington state, and along the OR, CA coastlines, lots of clear cutting and Checkerboard cutting in Canada for the last US Housing Boom.
The Rain Forests in Africa, Amazon and other places also at severe risk. Trees take CO2 and turn it to oxygen, and if we plant 6-8 Billion trees we might solve the Climate Change, greenhouse problems. Indeed, we are losing 2-acres a minute as has been noted. Lots of issues out there indeed.
Studying this stuff in the online think tank and all the inter-related issues makes me worry about linear thought guiding our policies, when we need a multiple variable approach and non-linear thinking approach to truly be prudent. In fact we have the technology to use UAVs to fly over and plant more trees.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Global Abating Blockage - Kyoto Protocol Update


Global abating is article that we all accept to booty allotment in acquirements how to prevent, not alone in the USA but throughout the absolute world. We all comedy a allotment in accidental to all-around abating and the alone way to advice anticipate the adverse affects is to assignment together. Anniversary of the governments throughout the apple are appetite to advance a blockage plan that can advice abate the bulk of emissions they are creating in the atmosphere and enhance what they are accomplishing to accord to the band-aid instead of the problem.

A U.S Altitude Activity has been created to advice citizens of the USA accept all-around abating and that there are accomplishments which can be taken in adjustment to accomplish a difference. This activity consists of 3 altered parts:

    Slowing the advance of emissions
    Strengthening the development of science and analysis studies
    Enhancing all-embracing cooperation

If we can booty these behavior and attempt and put them into activity we can activate to see results. This activity is alone the alpha of what the government can and should be accomplishing but it is a abundant start. The politicians aural our government are alive adamantine to stick to this activity and appraise the automated areas of our country to accomplish abiding they accommodated the requirements of the U.S Altitude Policy.

Since the approaching ancestors are depending on us to accomplish the choices to adjust this adverse situation, every little accomplishment counts. Our alone efforts are abnormally cogent in countries like the US and Canada, area individuals absolution 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per being every year. The better antecedent of greenhouse gases is electric ability generation. The boilerplate home absolutely contributes added to all-around abating than the boilerplate car. This is because abundant of the activity we use in our homes comes from ability plants which bake deposit ammunition to ability our electric products.


The United States has agreed in assumption to assignment with added than 180 added nations beneath the United Nations Framework Convention on Altitude Change to accompany about the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a akin that would anticipate alarming arrest with the altitude system. California, Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington accept all allowable laws or accustomed behavior ambience all-around abating abuse abridgement targets, while states in both the Northeast and West accept active agreements to accomplish bounded targets. Now the U.S. Congress is because several bills that adduce a array of all-around abating emissions abridgement targets.

The amount of the Kyoto Protocol is estimated to amount anniversary of the developed countries complex billions of dollars. This is a banking albatross anniversary government should be accommodating to booty in adjustment to do what they can for the environment. Just back you go to the grocery abundance and acquisition that amoebic foods are abundant added big-ticket than the approved foods; governments are award that the amount to abate greenhouse gases is far added than accretion them.

This one of the above problems our apple as been having; it is far easier to actualize these gases than it is to abate them and this is absolutely what we accept been accomplishing for centuries. It is abating to see that the governments throughout the apple are demography activity but it is not about abundant in adjustment to stop the furnishings of all-around abating afore they become devastating. Environmentalists and scientists are consistently alive with government admiral in adjustment to appear up with new, amount able bills and legalities to abate what they can of greenhouse gases.


Monday, March 26, 2012

Save Our Planet, Anticipate All-around Warming, Go Green

In the adventure to save our planet and anticipate all-around abating it seems that anybody is activity blooming nowadays. The newspapers and magazines are abounding of accessories about extenuative electricity, altitude change and all-around warming. If we all do our little bit for the environment, abounding of those little accomplish will accomplish our lives bigger and the approaching brighter for our children.
There is a lot you can do to cut aback on your household's electricity consumption. Small things like switching off lights and unplugging accessories back you are not application them. In winter you can accomplish abiding that all the windows and doors are kept bankrupt to accumulate in the calefaction while heaters are working. The aforementioned goes for the air conditioner in the summer to accumulate the abode cool.
To absolutely drive your electricity bill bottomward alike added there are approach and technologies that can accomplish a difference. Application solar powered baptize heaters will abate your burning considerably. Geysers are the better activity gobblers and are amenable for one third of your electricity bill. Solar baptize heaters can absorb calefaction for continued periods of time. The acceptable account is that you will awning your advance aural seven years.
If you do not accept the banknote to install a solar baptize boiler there are measures that you can booty to administer your geyser. About-face off your bubbler amid 06:00 and 18:00 accustomed and bethink to do about-face off back you go on vacation. Turn the thermostat bottomward to sixty degrees. Insulating the bubbler and pipes will advice to abate calefaction loss.
There are activity and baptize extenuative battery active that breeze at a bulk of beneath than ten liters per minute. The old blazon operates at fifteen liters per minute so the extenuative is huge. They aerate the baptize or approach it into streams to accord you a acceptable aerosol from the battery head.
Lighting is amenable for twenty percent of all domiciliary electricity consumption. There is a apple advanced attack appear added activity able lighting. Compact Fluorescent Lamps use twenty percent of the activity acclimated to ability beaming bulbs and they aftermath the aforementioned bulk of light. They additionally aftermost six times best than the accepted type.
You can accomplish a aberration to the all-around abating effect, so get acute about how you use electricity about the home. Lighten the amount on your abridged and conserve the earth's adored activity resources. It is now added important than anytime to acquisition the best band-aid to the activity problems for the approaching ancestors to come.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Global Warming could be a very well Global Opportunity for Solar Energy

Many bodies alarming the approaching of apple altitude change and they accept that all-around abating will accept a cogent appulse on beginning baptize supplies, ambient air temperatures and activity on Earth. Many all-around abating alarmists are additionally calling for the complete abandonment of afire deposit fuels in our cars and afire atramentous to accomplish our electricity.

Of advance industry analysts and the top analysis and development institutions in the United States accept begin a way to broil atramentous after communicable the ambiance or atmosphere application new apple-pie atramentous technologies. Nevertheless, the all-around abating alarmists are cogent us we are headed so fast for a altitude bluff that it may be too backward to stop it and accordingly activity in apple animal civilizations will change always and we may charge to abutting bottomward our factories, ability plants and stop active cars anon ancient in the actual abreast future.

If all this is accurate again all-around abating could be a all-around befalling for the advance in solar energy. If the temperatures are activity to be hotter and the sun is activity to broil us, again acutely we should absorb up some of the sun's activity through solar technologies and get our chargeless activity from the sun.


Monday, March 12, 2012

30 Ways in order to Stop Global Warming

1. Drive smart. Avoid brusque dispatch and accidental braking. Drive at connected speed. These do not alone save gas, but additionally save your life.

2. Accumulate your car maintained. On-schedule tune-up, air clarify cleaning, change oil, and befitting annoy aggrandized advance you ammunition breadth and abate carbon emission.

3. Avoid boundless idling. Aught afar per hour accord you aught afar per gallon.

4. Walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible. These do not alone save you gas but accumulate you in acceptable shape.

5. Combine errands into one car trip. This saves time and gas.

6. Invest on a amalgam car. It consumes beneath ammunition and absolution aught or beneath carbon

7. Invest on ability extenuative accessories for your home.

8. About-face to renewable energy. Encourage others to do the same.

9. Insulate your home properly. Leaks about the abode access your activity consumption, appropriately arresting added deposit fuel.

10. Wash clothes alone on abounding load.

11. Use beneath hot water. It will save you a lot on electric bill and abate deposit ammunition consumption.

12. Abate boilerplate home temperature. Accumulate your thermostat 2 degrees lower during the winter and 2 degrees college during summer.

13. Install automated thermostat. This can save you on electric bill big time.

14. Abate garbage. Use beneath disposable abstracts not alone do they accumulation up in landfills but they additionally crave deposit ammunition to aftermath that accord to all-around warming.

15. Accumulate reusable products. Accompany accoutrements to the grocery, accompany thermal alembic for your coffee, accompany your own reusable baptize bottle, etc.

16. Segregate your waste. Items such as plastics, paper, and bottle can be recycled. If these are absolute from your added decay and are brought to recycling plants, you will advice abate the appeal for accustomed resources.

17. Use both abandon of paper. This will abate cardboard burning by 50%.

18. Use anatomy instead of machines. Manually acid your backyard may be difficult, but it is aloof an archetype of application your anatomy instead of machines to abate your carbon footprints.

19. Turn off your computer. Befitting your computer on standby or switching to awning saver is aloof crumbling energy.

20. Defrost old refrigerators regularly.

21. Use the off switch. Turn off all your cyberbanking accessories and about-face off the lights that you don't use.

22. Avoid vampire load. Befitting your television and added cyberbanking accessories on "standby" approach still consumes at atomic 10% of its burning back switched on. Unplug all bare electronics.

23. Plant a tree. Trees booty in CO2 and accord out O2.

24. Be a advance to a bounded or civic clean-up effort.

25. Encourage bounded communities to accept programs that assure the environment.

26. Encourage schools to advise acceptance to become added acquainted on the furnishings of their accomplishments on nature.

27. Create acquaintance on the accent of extenuative the ambiance now.

28. Assure the environment.


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Reduce Global Warming

The earth and its environment are facing growing challenges every day. There are alarming trends which environmentalists have been pointing out - our wildlife has been slowly disappearing, wetlands and farmlands are in danger, growing consumerism is leading to uncontrollable waste and leading to massive air and water pollution.
There are thus a myriad of environmental issues, which affect all of us without exception today. Some have generated a lot of debate and a lot of heat on what could be the best approach to tackle them.
Climate Change in general and Global Warming in particular, has attracted the most attention and generated the most controversies than most other environmental issues.
Also called the greenhouse effect, global warming is the effect of gases gathered above the surface of the earth. These gases trap heat close to the surface of the earth thereby heating up the planet, almost like in a greenhouse and causing harm to the environment of the earth.
There are a number of factors that lead to global warming. One of the biggest factors is the problem of overpopulation and its side effects. The more the number of people, the more resources they use, the more waste they generate, and the more pollution they cause. All these produce huge amounts of greenhouse emissions and contribute significantly to global warming.
Finding a solution to global warming can also be tricky because the kind of products and kind of human activities that can generate greenhouse gases that cause global warming are huge in number. Driving to work means gas emissions from the car we drive, turning on the lights requires energy to be supplied from a power plant that will produce these toxic emissions, and even using a simple refrigerator will cause gas emissions. As you can imagine, there are countless such, otherwise normal day-to-day activities that can lead to greenhouse gas emissions. Further, growing industrialization and globalization has meant tremendous increase in the levels of gases surrounding the Earth, with developed countries producing almost 75% of all the greenhouse gases.
In part, the fact that these gases are being generated by so many and such common activities is proving to be a big challenge towards limiting the production of greenhouse gas. With growing population and growing development, this challenge is only going to get tougher.
The consequences of global warming can be very significant - there is already proof that the temperature of the earth has gone up by a few degrees over the last few decades. If the earth heats up sufficiently, some portion of the icecaps would melt and sea levels would rise. This could be quite disastrous in some places with entire islands being wiped out and millions are displaced. There would be regular floods along coastlines meaning more displacement of people and destruction of crops.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Are Efforts to Stop Global Warming Pointless?

Many people wrongly think that we can simply stop global warming dead in its tracks but nothing could be further from the truth. Scientists know that the effects of global warming will continue for centuries more due the nature of the natural processes involved. All we are doing by taking action and fighting global warming is just to decrease it.
The advice is pretty simple - reduce our consumption of the things which produce the greenhouse gases responsible. The most direct ways for the average household to do its part is by reducing its energy consumption. Most of the things we use for energy such as electricity are fuelled buy fossil fuels. That's why the advice is to be more careful about leaving appliances on stand-by or turning lights off when not in use.
The options for so called greener energy include hydro-electric power and solar power among others, in short they don't burn fossil fuels and therefore do not create greenhouse gasses. It should be mentioned that the Kyoto treaty was designed to reduce CO2 levels and 35 nations, all of which were industrialised, signed it. The United States who are biggest producers of greenhouse gasses in the world refused.
In a nutshell, global warming certainly appears to be a reality and it's a reality which is here to stay regardless of what we do at this point. It's all about damage control now, to change our behaviour and to limit the extend upon which it has the power to impact upon our lives.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Benefits of Solar Energy: Using a Solar Panel and Charger

Due to its nature as an infinite energy resource and the low costs involved in its use and maintenance, solar energy is increasingly being used in many households across the globe. Solar power is also used as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels in many workplaces. The environmental benefits of solar energy are many, and here are some of the most valuable:
1. Reduced effects of global warming
The use of solar power as an energy source does not result in emissions which are not only harmful to the environment but contributes to the warming of the atmosphere as well. This is precisely why using solar panels for your home or your office is an excellent way to reduce contribution to global warming.
2. Cheaper production costs, better efficiency
When solar energy was first used as an alternative source of power, not everyone could afford the technology needed to convert solar energy into usable energy. While the sun's power is essentially free for everyone, the technology used in creating solar panels used to be too expensive for the average user. Today however, the availability of reasonably priced solar panels as well as solar hot water panels have made it more convenient for most households to have access to at least one.
3. Helps control pollution
Due to the fact that no harmful gases are released into the environment and into the Earth's atmosphere by harnessing the power of the sun and converting them into electricity, the use of solar panels helps limit the world's contribution to environmental pollution.
4. Lower maintenance and running costs
The costs involved in maintaining and using solar energy at home are significantly lower than using conventional fossil fuels for energy. Once these panels are installed, using solar energy is free of cost and maintenance-free as well. Some investment may be required in putting these panels in place; but once everything is in proper working order, there is no need to continually shell out an amount to be able to use the solar panels every single day. This already presents a significant amount of savings on your electricity bill.
The Wagan Solar Panel and Charger is a versatile solar panel that effectively converts daylight to electricity and is being used in powering 12v batteries for use at home or even for vehicles, boats, and caravans. And with its ability to charge even on cloudy days,  you get a free source of renewable energy day in and day out is always a guarantee.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

How Going Green Can Reduce Global Warming

There are many ways going green can reduce global warming. The first starting point is with using renewable energy sources. You can choose a variety of different systems today, and the competition is so fierce that prices for kits and materials are as low as ever. You can find photovoltaic cells extremely inexpensively, and if you buy in bulk the savings is even more substantial. You can purchase all the framework materials at many of your local hardware and home improvement outlets. You also have many choices, such as solar power, wind turbines, geothermal, hydroelectric, and even magnetic generators. The nice thing is that these can be used as independent systems, or can be combined for even more power output.
On a personal level, using renewable energy in your own home can reduce global warming. For one, these sources don't use any fossil fuels, so they don't produce any of the toxins that coal, natural gas and nuclear power plants produce and release in the atmosphere. Because these systems don't use fossil fuels, they are completely renewable, and don't take away precious natural resources. There is no need to worry about where the energy comes from, or the methods used to extract them, like you do with coal.
It's also not just about using alternative energy power systems in your home. There are many other ways you can cut down on global warming at home. Recycling is probably one of the other biggest ways you can reduce your carbon impact on the Planet. Recycling aluminum, glass and plastic make it easier to reproduce more, and it can save half of the energy needed to make these from scratch. Recycling paper reduces the amount of trees being cut down for paper products, and allows them to do their job, removing harmful carbon dioxide from the air, and producing oxygen.
Going green also means conservation in the home as well. Even if you are not using renewable energy resources, there are many ways you can conserve energy and valuable resources. Changing to more fuel efficient appliances for one thing can help cut down on wasted energy. Using Energy Star appliances instead, switching over to inline water heaters, and waiting until evening to use your dishwasher, or clothes washer can save you money and energy. Cutting down on water usage, like switching over to low flow faucets and toilets, and fixing faucets that are dripping will help save water.
Cutting down on vehicle use can significantly decrease global warming as well. Using a bike, taking public transportation, and just walking reduces carbon emissions that all vehicles emit. Switching to hybrid vehicles also makes a big positive impact, and prices of these vehicles have come down significantly over the last few years, making them more affordable.
There are many other ways that going green can significantly reduce global warming.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Help Stop Global Warming by Choosing Eco Travel Options on Your Vacation

With the arrival of warmer months comes the desire to travel and see new places. However, traveling can be one of the human activities that contributes to global warming the most. The following article will guide you in making informed choices about your travel plans, allowing you to find a pleasurable escape while reducing your carbon footprint.
Stop Global Warming Travel Tip #1: Seek Out Ecotourism Opportunities
According to The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." This concept is based on the intersection of conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. By seeking out ecotourism options, you can reduce your impact, preserving the special qualities of the places to which you were drawn in the first place.
When planning your trip, look for lodging that has a responsible environmental policy. Unfortunately, there is no uniform certification standard from which to judge and "greenwashing" can be a problem, but there are some ways you can decipher industry leaders from wannabes. First, you can start by searching the web for hotels that advertise responsible environmental practices, then either follow up with a phone call or check with a knowledgeable travel agency. Look for some kind of third-party awarded certification. Some of the more well-known certifications are: Energy Star (with a rating of at least 75/100), LEED certified building design, EU Eco-label, Green Globe (Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and expanding to the Caribbean), Green Leaf (Canada), and Sustainable Tourism Certification Network of the Americas (a joint effort of the Rainforest Alliance and The International Ecotourism Society). Some establishments may have earned recognition for some of their eco-groovy practices.
Stop Global Warming Travel Tip#2: Get There Responsibly
As the journey to your destination will probably be the most emission-intense portion of your vacation, there are several alternatives for lowering your impact. Flying is by far the most polluting option. Especially if you are traveling in a group, it is far more cost effective (both in dollars and emissions) to go by car. Whenever using a car, it is important to keep the tires inflated, ensuring that the engine need not work any harder - a practice that will reduce emissions and save cash!
Train travel, while often overlooked, is the best option when it comes to making the journey, if you can afford the time. The many benefits of train travel include: social interaction with other passengers and not having to constantly seek out eating establishments, deal with gridlock or hold any concerns about your vehicle.
Whatever transportation method you use, you may choose to offset your carbon emissions by purchasing a carbon neutralization package. This is a great way to actively stop global warming and support companies that are working towards curbing emissions. They will neutralize your carbon emissions by supporting a variety of projects that will offset the amount of carbon your travel produces. Here is one example to check out: http://www.terrapass.com
Stop Global Warming Travel Tip #3: Lower Your Tourist Impact
Once you arrive at your destination, no matter where you go, there are a number of ways you can reduce your negative tourist impact and your carbon contributions while maximizing your positive influence.
Should your travels find you in an urban setting, try depending on public transportation instead of a rented car or taxis. This will give you a taste of the true flavor of the city while saving you the hassle of navigating traffic and finding parking on foreign streets, not to mention the substantial monetary savings. Many public transit systems even offer weeklong and weekend packages for unlimited travel, a true bargain for the mobile tourist.
Save money on dining by locating the local farmer's market. Besides providing a more authentic local experience, it can help answer such questions as: what grows here in July? Why is this town famous for its specialty cheese or its rhubarb pie? By supporting the farmer's markets, you will get to experience fresh, delicious foods that are specific to the given region. Furthermore, purchasing locally-grown food helps reduce your so-called "food miles", or the distance your food has traveled, a major contributor to greenhouse gases.
In the spirit of adventure, try patronizing some of the local establishments for your eating, drinking and recreational pleasure! Remember to be mindful of delicate ecosystems should your travel take you to a wilderness area. Traveling to forests, beaches, etc. is a privilege and should be treated as such to ensure that you and others can return for a special experience in the years to come. When venturing into the great outdoors, remember to pack out what you brought in, making sure to leave all places in the same condition you found them. Consider non-motorized forms of recreation such as hiking, biking, swimming, sailing or horseback riding - not only will the serenity be refreshing to your ears, but they result in fewer greenhouse gases. Remember, if it has a motor, there is a good chance it is spewing emissions into the atmosphere!

Friday, January 6, 2012

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

What Causes the Greenhouse Effect?
Life on earth depends on energy from the sun. About 30 percent of the sunlight that beams toward Earth is deflected by the outer atmosphere and scattered back into space. The rest reaches the planet's surface and is reflected upward again as a type of slow-moving energy called infrared radiation.
The heat caused by infrared radiation is absorbed by "greenhouse gases" such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone and methane, which slows its escape from the atmosphere.
Although greenhouse gases make up only about 1 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, they regulate our climate by trapping heat and holding it in a kind of warm-air blanket that surrounds the planet.
This phenomenon is what scientists call the "greenhouse effect." Without it, scientists estimate that the average temperature on Earth would be colder by approximately 30 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit), far too cold to sustain our current ecosystem.
How Do Humans Contribute to the Greenhouse Effect?
While the greenhouse effect is an essential environmental prerequisite for life on Earth, there really can be too much of a good thing.
The problems begin when human activities distort and accelerate the natural process by creating more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than are necessary to warm the planet to an ideal temperature.
  • Burning natural gas, coal and oil -including gasoline for automobile engines-raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
  • Some farming practices and land-use changes increase the levels of methane and nitrous oxide.
  • Many factories produce long-lasting industrial gases that do not occur naturally, yet contribute significantly to the enhanced greenhouse effect and "global warming" that is currently under way.
  • Deforestation also contributes to global warming. Trees use carbon dioxide and give off oxygen in its place, which helps to create the optimal balance of gases in the atmosphere. As more forests are logged for timber or cut down to make way for farming, however, there are fewer trees to perform this critical function.
  • Population growth is another factor in global warming, because as more people use fossil fuels for heat, transportation and manufacturing the level of greenhouse gases continues to increase. As more farming occurs to feed millions of new people, more greenhouse gases enter the atmosphere.
Ultimately, more greenhouse gases means more infrared radiation trapped and held, which gradually increases the temperature of the Earth's surface and the air in the lower atmosphere.
The Average Global Temperature is Increasing Quickly
Today, the increase in the Earth's temperature is increasing with unprecedented speed. To understand just how quickly global warming is accelerating, consider this:
During the entire 20th century, the average global temperature increased by about 0.6 degrees Celsius (slightly more than 1 degree Fahrenheit).
Using computer climate models, scientists estimate that by the year 2100 the average global temperature will increase by 1.4 degrees to 5.8 degrees Celsius (approximately 2.5 degrees to 10.5 degrees Fahrenheit).