Causes: Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere

—which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. As we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas for energy or cut down and burn forests to create pastures and plantations, carbon accumulates and overloads our atmosphere. Certain waste management and agricultural practices aggravate the problem by releasing other potent global warming gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide. See the pie chart for a breakdown of heat-trapping global warming emissions by economic sector.

CO2 survives in the atmosphere for a long time—up to many centuries—so its heat-trapping effects are compounded over time. Of the many heat-trapping gases, CO2 puts us at the greatest risk of irreversible changes if it continues to accumulate unabated in the atmosphere—as it is likely to do if the global economy remains dependent on fossil fuels for its energy needs. To put this in perspective, the carbon we put in the atmosphere today will literally determine not only our climate future but that of future generations as well.

Substantial scientific evidence indicates that an increase in the global average temperature of more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (or 2 degrees Celsius [°C]) above pre-industrial levels poses severe risks to natural systems and to human health and well-being. The good news is that, because we as humans caused global warming, we can also do something about it. To avoid this level of warming, large emitters such as the United States need to greatly reduce heat-trapping gas emissions by mid century. Delay in taking such action means the prospect of much steeper cuts later if there is any hope of staying below the 3.6°F (2°C) temperature goal. Delayed action is also likely to make it more difficult and costly to not only make these reductions, but also address the climate consequences that occur in the meantime.

EffectsThe planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole, and everywhere in between. Globally, the mercury is already up more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius), and even more in sensitive polar regions. And the effects of rising temperatures aren’t waiting for some far-flung future. They’re happening right now. Signs are appearing all over, and some of them are surprising. The heat is not only melting glaciers and sea ice, it’s also shifting precipitation patterns and setting animals on the move.Some impacts from increasing temperatures are already happening.

Ice is melting worldwide, especially at the Earth’s poles. This includes mountain glaciers, ice sheets covering West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice

Penguins on Antarctica, where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years.Sea level rise became faster over the last century.

Some butterflies, foxes, and alpine plants have moved farther north or to higher, cooler areas.

Precipitation (rain and snowfall) has increased across the globe, on average. Spruce bark beetles have boomed in Alaska thanks to 20 years of warm summers. The

insects have chewed up 4 million acres of spruce trees.

Other effects could happen later this century, if warming continues.

Sea levels are expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 and 59 centimeters) by the end of the century, and continued melting at the poles could add between 4 and 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters).

Hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger. Species that depend on one another may become out of sync. For example, plants could

bloom earlier than their pollinating insects become active. Floods and droughts will become more common. Rainfall in Ethiopia, where droughts are

already common, could decline by 10 percent over the next 50 years. Less fresh water will be available. If the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru continues to melt at its

current rate, it will be gone by 2100, leaving thousands of people who rely on it for drinking water and electricity without a source of either.

Some diseases will spread, such as malaria carried by mosquitoes. Ecosystems will change—some species will move farther north or become more

successful; others won’t be able to move and could become extinct. Wildlife research scientist Martyn Obbard has found that since the mid-1980s, with less ice on which to live and fish for food, polar bears have gotten considerably skinnier. Polar bear biologist Ian Stirling has found a similar pattern in Hudson Bay. He fears that if sea ice disappears, the polar bears will as well.

Science

Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are drying, and wildlife is scrambling to keep pace. It’s becoming clear that humans have caused most of the past century’s warming by releasing heat-trapping gases as we power our modern lives. Called greenhouse gases, their levels are higher now than in the last 650,000 years.We call the result global warming, but it is causing a set of changes to the Earth’s climate, or long-term weather patterns, that varies from place to place. As the Earth spins each day, the new heat swirls with it, picking up moisture over the oceans, rising here, settling there. It’s changing the rhythms of climate that all living things have come to rely upon.

What will we do to slow this warming? How will we cope with the changes we’ve already set into motion? While we struggle to figure it all out, the face of the Earth as we know it—coasts, forests, farms and snow-capped mountains—hangs in the balance.

Burning fossil fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil and gasoline raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carbon dioxide is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

You can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which in turn reduces global warming, by using energy more wisely. Here are 10 simple actions you can take to help reduce global warming.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isn't a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.Ads"How I Ended Vaginitis." emuaid.com/Vaginitis_Treatment Read Jane's Story About One Simple Fast Treatment For Severe VaginitisTerra LOC www.terraloc.com Abate dust with easy to clean, eco-friendly Terra LOCClimate Change arewetoast.com Will we protect our planet? Can we adapt? If not, we are toast!

2. Use Less Heat and Air ConditioningAdding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home.

Turn down the heat while you're sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

3. Change a Light BulbWherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat.

If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4. Drive Less and Drive SmartLess driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore your community mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.5. Buy Energy-Efficient ProductsWhen it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.

Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can't be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.6. Use Less Hot WaterSet your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on yourdishwasher and let the dishes air-dry.

7. Use the "Off" SwitchSave electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them.

It's also a good idea to turn off the water when you're not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You'll reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.

8. Plant a TreeIf you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.AdsUsed Plastic Machinery www.industrialmachines.net Looking for Used Plastic Machines? Search the Online Machinery NetworkOzone therapy www.ozontherapie.com Units for modern ozone therapies, HOT/UVB blood radiation9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility CompanyMany utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10. Encourage Others to ConserveShare information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget. And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.

How to Take Action to Reduce Global WarmingEdited by Eric, Khbirder, Danny, Jack Herrick and 170 others

Four Methods:Taking Political Action Changing Your Consumption Habits Reducing Your Energy

Use Using Greener Transportation Methods

While humankind has the ability to destroy the planet, we can also help protect and sustain it. Global warming is too massive a problem for one person to solve, but you can create positive change by making environmentally-conscious personal choices and inspiring others to take collective action. This article outlines ways you can help prevent Earth from warming further.

Method 1 of 4: Taking Political Action

1.

1Be well informed about global warming. Global warming already disrupts millions of

lives daily in the forms of destructive weather patterns and loss of habitat.[1] Being

educated on the subject is the first important step to taking action. On a personal level,

you'll be more apt to change your lifestyle if you know the truth; on a political level,

you'll be better able to inform others and inspire change if you study the issue first.

Sir John Houghton, a co-chair of the IPCC Working Group and climate specialist,

discusses such catastrophes as heat waves, floods, droughts and storm surges

already impacting us heavily. What is already happening is only the tip of the melting

iceberg, for it is our children and grandchildren who may suffer most from the effects of

global warming.[2] Hundreds of millions of people may be exposed to famine, water

shortages, extreme weather conditions and a 20 - 30% loss of animal and plant

species if we do not reduce the rate of global warming and reduce GHG emissions.

On the other hand, having warmer winters means longer growing seasons in temperate

and subarctic climes, sometimes allowing an additional crop to be planted and

harvested each year, or simply making the existing crops more productive.[3][4] Having

both sides of the story will make you a better spokesperson for your cause.

Ad

2.

2

Challenge others about global warming. A great way to broaden your own impact is

to rally other people to your cause. The more scientific facts you have to back yourself

up, the better you can persuade people to make simple yet effective changes in daily

behavior. Energy-saving techniques either are initially expensive (for example, solar

power) or take extra time (for example, recycling), so many people need to be

convinced that their efforts matter.[5]

Demonstrate the benefits of these activities and highlight how each person can play a

vital role in helping to reduce global warming. Use examples that show what will

happen if these actions are not taken.

Remember that civil society does not respond at all well to moralistic scolding, so use

education to enlighten, not frighten.

3.

3Influence your government. Vote for candidates that prioritize finding solutions to

global warming. Contact governmental officials with telephone calls, e-mails, and

letters stating your position. Attend meetings with those who represent you in

government.

Learn as much as possible about the policies that you advocate before doing so;

solving one problem often creates others. For example, replacing incandescent light

bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs has increased the hazard of mercury

contamination in homes and landfills. Fluorescent light bulbs are still preferable to

incandescent bulbs (see below), but one must be careful to recycle them and to not

break them, if not mercury would be released.The push to grow corn for ethanol has

contributed to higher food prices while saving little energy, if any at all.

Know that corporations' damaging practices are more detrimental to the earth than

actions taken by individuals. In order to end global warming, it's necessary to get

corporations to adopt earth-friendly production and distribution practices..

Method 2 of 4: Changing Your Consumption Habits

1.

1Choose vegetarian or vegan meals. Livestock are responsible for more greenhouse

gas emissions than transportation is. This is due to the large amounts of petroleum

used in creating ammonium nitrate fertilizer (for the corn that they are fed) plus the cost

of shipping that corn to the cattle and then shipping the cattle to slaughter and grocery.

Choosing vegetarian foods also drastically reduces agricultural water consumption and

land use, and favorably impacts biodiversity.[6]

When you do eat meat, make sure it's from a local source, so that it didn't have to

travel as far to get to your table. [7]

Try eat both vegetables and meat that came from small farms, rather than large

industrial farms, which use environmentally harmful practices.

2.

2Reuse and recycle more. Use recycling bins to dispose of glass, plastic, paper,

cardboard, and other recycleable items. Encourage neighbors, supervisors, colleagues,

and businesses to do likewise (15-25% of people do not recycle).

Use cloth shopping bags instead of getting paper or plastic at the grocery store.

Compost  your leftovers and food scraps instead of tossing them in the trash.

3.

3Use refills. Try using refills instead of buying new jars or bottles each time. This

reduces your consumption and is usually cheaper, too.

4.

4Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging could reduce your garbage

significantly, saving 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide and $1,000 per year. If you

consider a certain products' packaging to be excessive, mail it to the company with

your challenge to the company to reduce its packaging; include suggestions on how if

you have ideas.

5.

5Reduce your use of paper products. Decide whether something is really worth

printing out before pressing "print." Leave a signature at the bottom of your e-mails

reminding the reader to think twice before printing the e-mail.

Make the most of scrap paper for shopping lists, notes, scrapbooks, telephone

messages, taking notes in class, etc. Recycle your paper only when it has been

thoroughly used up!

When you do print, make sure that your printer paper is 100% post consumer recycled

paper. Save 5 lbs. of carbon dioxide per ream of paper.

6.

6Buy locally made and locally grown products. Buy locally to reduce the energy

required to transport your goods.[8] The consumable products that we all purchase

represent more than half of the average family's carbon footprint.

If you successfully encourage neighbors to buy local, store owners will be encouraged

to stock local goods.

Shop at farmers' markets or locally-owned grocery stores instead of chain grocery

stores.

Shop at small, local boutiques instead of going to the mall.

Choose locally-owned restaurants over chain restaurants and fast food places.

7.

7Keep track of your carbon consumption. Use a carbon calculator to calculate your

carbon footprint. These counters enable you to calculate your personal impact by

adding up the carbon emissions from your activities.

There are counters available for many countries; use your local search engine for

results. An international calculator is provided by the World Resources Institute.[9]

There is a logo called Carbon Counted that companies can put on their products to

communicate their carbon footprint. [10] Products that have a low Carbon Counted

footprint number give consumers a means by which to influence and reward companies

that reduce emissions in the creation of their products.

Method 3 of 4: Reducing Your Energy Use

1.

1Use compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. Replace three frequently used light bulbs

with compact fluorescent bulbs and save 300 lbs. of carbon dioxide and US$60 per

year. A standard compact fluorescent bulb will save around one third of a tonne of

greenhouse gas, along with the cost of six or more incandescent globes.[11]

Remember that CFL bulbs do contain small amounts of toxic mercury. Therefore,

proper disposal (recycling) is necessary to prevent any additional landfill contamination.

You can also start looking into LED lightbulbs which have started to crop up recently --

they are even more efficient, longer lasting, and do not contain mercury![12]

Consider substituting as many energy efficient bulbs as you can, and give them as gifts

to family and friends. Donate a set to a local charity to refit their office.

2.

2Fill the dishwasher. Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100 lbs. of

carbon dioxide and US$40 per year, or do them by hand with minimal water.[13]

3.

3Support producers of renewable energy. Help spur the renewable energy market by

participating in it. In the UK you can get 100% renewable electricity by switching to a

company such as Ecotricity or Good Energy Ltd. Alternatively, you can buy wind

certificates, green tags and stock in renewable energy companies. Many of these

companies are new and small, and the stock is low in price. These companies may

offer opportunities for great returns if they prove profitable; just be sure to do your

homework first, as you would when investing in anything.

4.

4Insulate your home. You should insulate anything that uses energy to stay a different

temperature from its environment.

Keep your water heater insulated to save up to 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and US$40

per year. Avoid using units fitted with continuous pilot lights, and you will save AUD$40

and 200 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions yearly.[14] Also use less hot water. For

example, if the shower is too cold, turn down the cold water instead of turning up the

hot water.

Be energy wise and insulate your entire home to keep down the heating and cooling

costs. If your insulation is old or inefficient, do yourself a favor and replace it; not only

will it reduce your output of emissions but it will also reduce your energy bills

considerably. Consider the attic, crawlspaces, basement, walls and ceiling. If you have

awkward spaces, be aware that cellulose or fiberglass insulation can be blown in by a

professional contractor.

Weather strip your home.  Caulk and weather strip your doorways, windows and air

conditioners. Save 1,700 lbs. of carbon dioxide and US$274 per year. You will discover

that the costs of caulking are far outweighed by savings in fuel costs and increased

comfort level.[15]

5.

5Replace old appliances and reduce reliance on them. Inefficient appliances (such

as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners) waste energy. Save hundreds

of pounds of carbon dioxide and hundreds of dollars per year by replacing them (and

having your old appliance recycled or disposed of properly).

Many countries have "energy star" ratings on new appliances that allow you to assess

the energy usage of the appliance. Check online before you go shopping to save time

or at least check the seals on your fridge or freezer and replace them if they show

signs of wear.

While you're at it, reassess appliances that you really do not need to use, such as plug-

in air fresheners. Try opening the windows instead (and throwing out that rotting fruit

bowl) and replace with natural air freshener alternatives. Other items include the many

so-called time-saving devices in your kitchen.

6.

6Unplug unused electronics. Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use

energy. Save over 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and US$256 per year by unplugging

them or switching them off at the wall using a power surge-protector (sometimes called

a power center). Get into the habit of switching the power off before you go to bed.

7.

7Use a push mower to mow the lawn. Use your muscles instead of fossil fuels and get

some strength-building exercise. Save 80 lbs of carbon dioxide per year.

Method 4 of 4: Using Greener Transportation Methods

1.

1Use public transportation. Taking the bus, the train, the subway or other forms of

public transportation lessens the load on the roads and reduces one's individual

greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1600 pounds per year.[16] Taking public

transport removes the stress of long road commutes and gives you a great opportunity

toread, think, and relax. You also save on parking money and time wasted looking for

parking spaces.

2.

2Ride a bicycle. Taking the bike instead of the car is a very simple solution. You may

experience such problems as lack of suitable bike paths, having to deal with congested

traffic or hilly terrain, but these are challenges that you can overcome with a little

determination.

Ask your local government to make (more) bike trails in your area and to make sure

that bicyclists are kept safe from traffic in the same way that pedestrians are afforded

this right. Get the local community behind you - a few neighbors, the street, or the

whole suburb!

If you have hilly terrain, there are solutions as well. Build up your strength with shorter

trips, find alternate routes, or take a bus part way (many municipal buses have bike

racks on the front that you can use).

3.

3Use your vehicle as a tool against global warming. If you can't live without a car,

then use it in a way that minimizes global impact.

Buy a hybrid car.' The average driver could save 16,000 lbs. of CO2 and $3,750 per

year driving a hybrid. Plug-in hybrids can save even more and one day may be able

to give cash back.

Buy a fuel efficient car.Save up to 20,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year using a more

fuel efficient car - that's a savings of AUD$10,000 over a car's lifetime.[17]Buying fuel

efficient cars also encourage companies to continue making and improving them owing

to increased demand.

Practice green driving. Save gas and lower stress levels by being a considerate driver.

Improve fuel efficiency by removing unused external objects such as roof racks, turning

off your engine instead of idling for long periods of time (over 1 minute), and removing

loads from the trunk/boot that are not necessary.[18]

Keep your car tires adequately inflated . Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy

by up to 3% and are subject to increased wear and tear.[19] Check them monthly. Save

250 lbs. of carbon dioxide and US$840 per year.

Change your air filter.  Check your car's air filter monthly. Save 800 pounds of carbon

dioxide and US$130 per year. [20] Cleaning your air filter improves your mileage and

reduces pollution because it makes it easier for your car to take in air and maintain a

proper fuel/air mixture.