Ways to Stop Global Warming

Whether or not you perceive global warming as a real or even partial threat, there are things you can do to stop its potential onset. At the very least the steps you can take to prevent global warming are good for the earth and oftentimes your pocketbook as well.

What is global warming?

Basically, global warming is the recent increase in the average air and ocean temperature of the Earth as well as its expected continuation. What is so controversial about it is the actual potential for danger and its causes. Though natural events like volcanoes and solar changes have caused small rises in temperatures over time, many believe that greenhouse gas emissions have a large part in this and that even if the emission levels stabilize, temperatures may continue rising for another thousand years or more. It isi projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that the average global surface temperature will probably rise another 1.1-6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during this century. Right now the average temperature of the Earth is about 13 °C, or 56 °F.

Increasing temperatures can lead to rising sea levels, extreme weather events and changes in precipitation. Global warming can also affect agriculture and glacier retreat and can facilitate the spread of disease and the extinctions of species.

Many countries have been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global warming; some have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol for this purpose. However, others feel that this is either ineffectual or unnecessary.

Nevertheless, it is important to get the main idea that the Earth is a precious thing and needs taking care of. Whether the world is going to get flooded out or not, we should take action and make decision for the good of the Earth.

With developed nations like the United States emitting the most greenhouse gases, poorer countries like Africa are at the greatest risk of the effects of global warming. Australia suffers because of the hole in the ozone directly above it. Europe seems to be more interested in effecting change in the effects of global warming than the United States is.

A lot of people are concerned that global warming may mean the end of the world; some consider it “doomsday.” Environmental groups have launched campaigns to inform people of the possible effects of global warming.

However, many are trying to downplay the potential risks associated with global warming. For instance, fossil fuel organizations like the American Petroleum Institute and ExxonMobil have launched campaigns reducing the bad image of fuel.

The global warming issue has become a somewhat important part of the upcoming presidential campaign, with questions directed toward candidates concerning what they plan to do about it. Al Gore has already shown his interest in the issue with his popular film “An Inconvenient Truth.”

Hopefully you can learn more about global warming by reading this HubPage and then be inspired to make changes in your own life that can reduce emissions and help the Earth.

While many people pinpoint varying causes of global warming, all are gradual and have been happening for years past.

The cause that is primarily noted as the cause of global warming is greenhouse gas. First of all let’s explain the greenhouse effect, which is the process by which infrared radiation is absorbed and emitted by atmospheric gas and then warms the planet. Its existence is positive to an extent, but when human activity strengthens atmospheric concentrations, it can be a negative thing.

The main greenhouse gases on earth that contribute to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide, methane and ozone as well as nitrous oxide and other naturally occurring gases. The levels of carbon dioxide and methane have increased significantly over the past 650,000 years due to fossil fuels being burned, deforestation and other causes.

Currently the CO2 concentration is 383 parts per million (ppm). This is expected to rise as damaging human activity increases or even just continues. Emissions may continue to rise if coal, tar sands or methane continue to be used.

Feedback processes also can contribute to the global warming issue. The evaporation of water is a big part of this. Warming causes water to evaporate into the atmosphere and the evaporated water acts as greenhouse gases, thus the cycle continues. This takes a while to be reversed because CO2 has a long lifespan.

Clouds can emit infrared radiation back to Earth, which causes a warming effect, while also reflecting sun and radiation back to space for cooling. Cloud feedback isn’t as strong as water vapor feedback.

There is also ice-albedo feedback; this is when ice near the poles melts quickly as surface temperatures rise. Land and open water replace the areas where ice melted; these do not reflect as well as ice, so more radiation is absorbed. Thus there is more warming and more melting, etc.

Finally, solar variation is considered a cause of global warming. Some researchers, such as from Duke University, believe that the sun may have created 45-50 percent of the increase in average global temperature from 1900-2000 and 25-35 percent from 1980-2000. It is also considered that solar output may have contributed to global warming; the magnetic properties of the sun may deflect cosmic rays, influencing cloud condensation and thus affecting the Earth’s climate.

An increase in solar activity may cause a warming of the stratosphere. However, it is considered by some scientists such as Peter Foukal that solar variation combined with changing volcanic activity may have increased temperatures before industrial times but decreased temperatures since. Basically solar variation is a controversial cause of global warming.

• Drive an energy-efficient car. For instance, hybrid cars run on gas and electricity. The average hybrid can save 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (which is considered a greenhouse gas emission) a year! And $3,750 in gas money! Pay attention to the MPG (miles per gallon) of a car you may want to buy. No SUVs! Read consumer reports about which vehicles are most energy-efficient.

• While on the subject of cars, make sure that tires are properly inflated or else you can release as much as 250 extra pounds of carbon dioxide annually. If you have an old air filter, that can also cost an extra 800 pounds of CO2 and $130 a year. Check these monthly.

• Check your water heater (or don’t use it at all). Keeping it at less than 120 degrees F can save money and emissions. An extra two degrees can save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and $98 a year! If you go tankless, you can save 300 pounds of CO2 and $390 a year.

• Also, don’t use hot water if you don’t need to, like when doing laundry. There are special detergents formulated for use with cold water. You don’t need to take cold baths or anything, but a few minutes early out of the shower helps. Showers account for 2/3 of water heating costs and shorter showers can mean reducing 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Try using low-flow showerheads too.

• Speaking of laundry, try air-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer… this can save 700 pounds and $75 a year.

• Take care with your appliances. Unplug them when you don’t use them; this saves 1,000 pounds and $256 a year because appliances still use energy if they’re plugged in, even when not in use. You can get a power strip with an on-off switch so you can keep plugs in but they don’t all have to be used. Also try going with blue Energy Star label products.

• Look at your light bulbs! Get energy-saving ones. Compact fluorescent bulbs use 66 percent less energy and replacing just 3 regular bulbs can mean saving 300 pounds and $60 each year.

• Buy recycled products. Also try donating or selling instead of throwing away… craigslist.com is a great way to do that!

• As far as consumerism, try buying products with less packaging! It kills me going through all the layers of plastic covering and plastic wrap and paper wrapping and ties and such! Buying in bulk can mean less packaging and less money being spent. Plus more food is just better to have around.

• Ceiling fans are a pretty harmless way to cool down a room without using an air conditioner. It uses less energy and can be considered a comfort.

• Plant trees! Not only do they suck up carbon dioxide, provide cleaner air and save 2,000 pounds of CO2 a year, but you can strategize where you place them so they can shade your home. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter so sun can warm your home as well.

• Install blinds in your windows and keep windows and doors shut during the day to keep it cooler.

• Buy organic. Large agricultural sources use chemicals, which pollute water and require energy to produce. And use cloth bags while you’re at it instead of those plastic bags!