As we enter 2007, one of the most serious issues facing us is global warming. We all now know just how serious the environmental problem now is. I wrote yesterday about the legacy we can each leave for our children.
However, just what sort of world will future generations of children have? With the increasing level of global warming, will there even be a world left for them?!
To understand global warming in simple terms, know that carbon dioxide and other gases warm the surface of the planet naturally, by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere.
This is a good thing because it keeps our planet habitable. However, by burning fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil and clearing forests, mankind has dramatically increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere and temperatures are rising.
The vast majority of scientists now agree that global warming is real, it is already happening and that it is the result of our activities, and not a natural occurrence. The evidence is overwhelming and undeniable.
So it is up to each one of us to take personal responsibility and take action in all areas of our lives. From increased recycling of waste at home to watching our car mileage and emissions, it will all help to preserve our planet for future generations.
Here are some simple tips to get you started:-
- Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with an energy saving compact fluorescent light bulb
- Move your thermostat down 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degree in summer
- Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases
- Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket
- Use less hot water
- Turn off electronic devices you are not using
- Unplug electronics from the wall when you are not using them
- Be sure you are recycling at home
- Buy recycled paper products
- Switch to green power
Some of these may seem simplistic – and they are. So you will have no excuse not to implement them:-)
And to take things one step further, check out Al Gore’s film called “An Inconvenient Truth” Amazon UK
This film has been created to raise public awareness about global warming and its effects.
Your life and outlook will never be the same again.
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