Solutions to Address Global Warming

Global warming; the over heating of the planet faster than normal due to human activities that burn fossil fuels. Contained within fossil fuels - gas, oil and coal - are the heat absorbing molecules, carbon dioxide (CO2). Not the kind of heavier CO2 we find in nature that has 14 atoms and that has been around for millions of years but a lighter CO2 with only 12 atoms. "It is this increase in CO2 concentrations that is primarily responsible for the increase in global average temperatures over the past century, and especially in recent decades". (1)

So now that we know what's creating global warming at a quicker rate than mankind is capable of adapting to (during earlier cooling and warmer periods over the millennia , the transition occurred over thousands of years) we can get our heads together and stop this threat, right? Well, yes and no. Our reduction of fossil fuel use will solve the problem but because we are so dependent on this energy source it's not going to happen anytime soon. But we can start applying the brakes and correct the direction on this before we pass a tipping point that many climate scientist feel we are getting dangerously close to. (2)

There are a lot of things individuals can do independently that will greatly reduce consumption of fossil fuels and there are a few actions individuals can be a part of that will alter the policies and practices of larger entities who consume vast amounts of fossil fuels. Here are some things you and your family can personally do.

1. Turn those lights off. Keep window curtains and blinds open to utilize natural light during the day. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy star qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL). This saves about $30 over its lifetime and pays for itself in about 6 months.

2. When replacing appliances, buy Energy Star brands. (3) They reduce energy consumption that lower your monthly utility bills and initial costs will be offset by federal tax credits and many company rebates.

3. Insulate. If you own an older home upgrade your attic insulation to R-39 value or better (R-49 in upper northern states) and have the underside of your roof sprayed with a radiant thermal barrier. Federal tax credits will apply here too. Maintain exterior caulk joints around windows and doors.

4. Less water; colder water. Reduce your water heater temperatures to 110 degrees, especially during the summer. Use less hot water on clothes washers and set dish washers for normal cycles and no heat dry. You don't need to wash the family car every time it gets a little dirty either.

5. When the weather is amenable, walk or ride a bike to make short trips. Use public transportation where you can.

6. If your going to buy a new car, go- hybrid or electric. Not all hybrid's give you the bang for the buck so assess their carbon reduction values at such sites as UCS's hybridcenter.org

7. Eat local foods and shop local shops. The reduced driving and transporting of goods will lessen fuel consumptions

There are other ways you and your family can reduce your carbon footprint. Go to The Nature's Conservancy's carbon footprint calculator (5) to customize a plan that fits the needs of you and the other members of your household.

On a broader level here are some things you can do in your community and actions you can take with state and federal governments to affect policies that will reduce the larger carbon footprint our heavily industrialized nation creates.

1. Get involved. It only takes a few minutes to contact your local, state and federal representatives to see where they stand on these issues and what actions they are taking to help make the changes we need. Congress.org is an excellent resource to find out who represents you at all levels.

2. Stay informed. There are many dedicated professionals who are on top of the critical issues and policy making processes that impact global warming. Two of my favorite are The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) (6) and The Nature Conservancy. (4) Sign up on their web-sites and they'll e-mail, text or tweet you when important information is available that needs immediate action.

3. Promote good government. In this anti-government climate today don't feel that your state capital and Washington are some amorphous and remote entities that needs to be eradicated. Your representatives have a lot on their plate and many people trying to get their attention. Get involved in Party politics and make the government work for you. Combat the special corporate interests by speaking as a member of a larger concerned citizen group.

Your involvement will prevent abuses where political administrations supplant qualified people with a less qualified representative of one of their campaign donors. In years past the FDA and EPA, among many others, were turned over to the very people that these agencies were granted the authority by Congress to monitor and regulate on behalf of the public.

Politics always moves slowly but it does move in the direction you are persistent with. Patience is a must. Remember, it's the squeaky wheel that get's oiled. Each action is important and each of us are required to play a part in this effort immediately if we are to avoid the cataclysmic results of global warming's threat. (7)

SOURCES:
(1) -http://www.climatecentral.org/library/climopedia/co2_put_in_the_air_by_burning_fossil_fuels_has_a_chemical_signature/(2) - http://climatechange.thinkaboutit.eu/think2/post/reaching_tipping_point_climate_change_and_poverty_in_tajikistan/(3) - http://www.energystar.gov/
(4) - http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/issues/art19621.html(
5) - http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/
(6) - http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/
(7) - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2549199/is_global_warming_a_hoax.html?cat=57