What is Global Warming And What You Need To Know About It
Global Warming: Copenhagen Climate Change Conference A Big Disappointment
Now that we know what a fiasco the Copenhagen Conference was, and that we can't wait for our governments to stop global warming, it's up to us ordinary citizens.
If you're here, it's because you're interested in finding out more about climate change and how to stop global warming. Read on...
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
To explain how this mess came about, I can't think of a better way than this mind map entitled "The Science of Global Warming", by Jane and Sharon Genovese.
Click on image for a larger view
This mind map and the following ones are from Jane Genovese's eBook, which I found on her blog, live-the-solution.com.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that the phrase "climate change" is growing in preferred use to "global warming" because it helps convey that there are changes in addition to rising temperatures.
It refers to any significant variations of temperature, precipitation, and extended periods of heavy winds.
Human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation and urbanization add to such variations in the temperature.
On the other hand, global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface and the troposphere. The troposphere is the lowest part of the atmosphere where clouds and weather events occur. Events there can contribute to variations in the Earth’s weather patterns.
Scientists have identified a variety of causes, both natural and man-made. But we are mostly concerned with the heating that happens from the result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases caused by human activities that affect the environment.
How It Affects Us
Take a look at this mind map for a very eloquent overview of why global warming is man's worst achievement:
Click on image for a larger view
Alterations in the atmosphere and extreme weather have a huge impact on agriculture. As you might realize, farmers worry about severe flooding and droughts.
Human activity has already changed conditions on the Earth. This includes rainfall amounts and the levels of carbon dioxide and ground ozone, all because of climate change.
The health effects are another serious matter: drastic climate change can affect members of society, such as those who have heart problems and asthma. In addition, the elderly and the homeless are highly susceptible to temperature extremes.
Climate change can contribute to air quality problems, too. Respiratory disorders may be aggravated by increases in the frequency of ground level ozone and particulate air pollution. Also, ground-level ozone can damage lung tissue.
If you live in a coastal area, you should be seriously worried about the rise in the sea level.
How To Prevent Global Warming
It's up to all of us to stop global warming. Here's how:
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There are many ways, beginning with an awareness about the consequences of our everyday actions, which we saw earlier.
Greenhouse gases are released by using energy for driving, electricity and heating. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced through simple measures like changing light bulbs and properly inflating your tires.
Look for Energy Star programs when buying new products, such as appliances for your home. Seek out certified products when you shop for heating and cooling equipment, home electronics, lighting and appliances.
Reduce, recycle and reuse as much as you can. Make a habit of taking your reusable shopping bags, not only to the grocery store, but also to the drug store, the hardware store -- in fact, there isn't a store where you can't use them, so make sure they're always in the trunk of the car. Here's a trick to help you remember to take them into the store: put your purse in the trunk, next to the bags.
Join a recycling program in your community, to recycle newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Recycle everything from shampoo bottles and yogurt containers to batteries and ink cartridges.
Another culprit is deforestation; therefore, it goes without saying that if we stop deforestation, global warming will be affected in a positive way. Plant a tree today!
Last but not least, make your house as energy efficient as you can afford. Look at the other sections of this website for some pointers. A good place to start is the page on energy audits or the one on home insulation.
With a little education and change in lifestyle you too can do your part in preventing or lessening the effects of global warming.
Climate Change And Global Warming Info
In case you're still wondering "Does global warming exist?", you can get the right information if you look in the right places.
I heartily recommend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Climate Change Information Kit. Don't be put off by the long name! The language is simple and straightforward and there's a PDF version that you can download.
As well, there's hardly a question about the subject that isn't answered on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's extensive site: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange. It's well worth a visit.
For ongoing, up-to-the-minute information about the environment, check out the David Suzuki Foundation's publications. You could also subscribe to their newsletter, Science Matters. Start out by reading this article about why Harming the environment is bad for the economy.
