Evidence of Global Warming

If you’re not sure how much of an effect global warming has on our planet, or even on the area where you live, this article will definitely help. There is significant evidence of global warming all around us, and the signs that you can recognize will help you to make informed decisions about how you and your family can conserve the earth’s energy resources.

One of the most obvious effects of global warming is the extreme weather changes people all over the world have been experiencing. There have been heat waves in various parts of the world, and these phases of extreme heat have lasted well into the traditional winter months in some cases. 1998 was the warmest year on earth since the 1880s, and temperatures are continuing to increase, as we are well into the 21st century. Not only does this mean that the overall weather will be warmer for longer periods of time, but the likelihood of floods and droughts is much higher. Floods can occur if large bodies of ice, or glaciers, are melted due to the extreme heat—these melted glaciers will then begin to overflow into the bodies of water that already exist and the earth will not be able to hold all of the excess water efficiently. Droughts will and have occurred in parts of the world due to global warming as well, since the warm weather gives too much sunlight to plants and animals. Without water, humans, plants and animals suffer from dehydration.

More evidence of global warming is in the large presence of greenhouse gases. Natural greenhouse gases include methane and carbon dioxide, and these gases are harmful to humans if ingested in large amounts. Carbon dioxide is necessary for plants to survive and plants are able to convert this gas into oxygen, which is vital for human life. However, plants need the right climate to grow in, along with adequate water, which is why trying to fight global warming is so important. Fossil fuel production is the main cause of the methane increase, so in order to reduce the amount of methane in the atmosphere, alternate forms of energy should be used.

The spread of tropical diseases is more evidence of global warming. Extreme heat makes it easy for bacteria to spread and for viruses to last longer in the air and in humans. Diseases such as dengue fever, which is common in the South Pacific islands, is a direct result of global warming, as is the spread of yellow fever. These diseases can be fatal, especially if not treated properly and immediately.

Learning more about how to put an end to the effects of global warming is extremely important, and there is so much you can do to help. For more information on how you can conserve energy and do your part to reduce the evidence of global warming, visit www.livegreen.org or www.ecobridge.org to get practical tips on how to use less electricity and preserve the components of the ozone layer.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Forest Conservation

We depend on the forests for a number of resources, which is why it is so important that we do all we can to conserve the trees and plants that we still have. Forest conservation has become a worldwide concern, and if you want to know more about how you can do your part, here is some information that may help.

First, it will help to know about the types of forest conservation that is necessary for each type of forest. The places that are of great concern these days are the tropical forests, and there are several different types. The most popular type, perhaps, is the rain forest; the largest of these still remain in places like Brazil and Malaysia, but about one and a half acres are lost every second. This is due to humans using the trees and natural resources there for industrial purposes, and the pollution and air impurity also has a lot to do with why certain plants no longer grow properly in the rain forests.

It is also important to learn about forest conservation if you are planning on purchasing land or having a home built. This is another reason why trees are always being cut down, and this reduces the oxygen supply on the earth. So, as you’re planning, be sure to choose an area that will not require you to damage the ecosystem around you.

According to forest conservation experts, we lose 137 plants, insect, and animal species every day because of the damage that we are causing to the rainforest. This means that 50,000 species are permanently lost every year. This not only means that some animals are not longer in existence, but also indicates that possible cures for severe disease are lost. It has been proven that about 25 percent of Western medications are derived from plants that grow in the rainforest; however, only less than one percent of these plants have actually been tested before the medication is put on the market.

What can you do to participate in forest conservation? Doing small things like buying recycled paper to write on or use in your computer printer will help tremendously, and you can also invest in a shopping bag made of cloth so that you don’t have to ask for paper bags for your groceries each time you shop. Using recycled paper towels and toilet paper will help as well. Even recyclable building materials to will help you to do your part to preserve parts of the earth that are disappearing daily. Check out www.raintree.com to find out more about what you can to when it comes to forest conservation today.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Britain’s prestigious scientific society, the Royal Society, has published a new study detailing five final-resort schemes to prevent global warming from destroyingthe planet.

THe Royal Society is proposing ‘geoengineering’ solutions to the problem.

“It is an unpalatable truth that unless we can succeed in greatly reducing (greenhouse gas) emissions, we are headed for a very uncomfortable and challenging climate future,” said study leader Professor John Shepherd, an earth scientist at the
University of Southampton.

The Royal Society is recommending serious consideration be given to five ideas toreduce global warming:

1) ‘Volcanic Droplets’

When volcanoes erupt they eject tiny droplets of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. The droplets reflect some of the sun’s rays reducing global warming.

The researchers are recommending that artificial droplets be released from aircraft or balloons.

But the study estimates that millions of tonnes of these droplets would need to be released annually, costing billions of dollars.

However, the researchers still think that would be cost effective.

2) ‘Seawater Mist’

Idea number 2 is to use computer-controlled ships to pump seawater mist into the air in remote areas.This would encourage low, thick clouds to form, which would reflect sunlight back into space.

Again, a large-enough fleet of such ships would cost billions of dollars. The study’s authors also think that this would be a cost-effective measure.

3) Reflective Discs

The researchers are proposing that huge mirrors or thin, reflective disks be put into orbit alongside Earth in order to block solar rays.

These approaches would be safe, with little in the way of side effects, according to the Royal Society’s study.

4) Plant More Trees

Trees absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Planting more forests is probably the best way of reducing climate change. The researchers thought that natural trees could be complemented with artificial ones that collect CO2 and seqestrate it.

5) Dissolve Mountains Of Rock

Dissolving mountains of rock would speed up the natural process of rock weatheringwhich absorbs carbon dioxide.

There are problems with this approach. Large mines, consuming large amounts of energy, would be needed. Seawater would need to be chemically altered to produce an acid that would be sprayed over the
rocks. Again, this would require large amounts of energy.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

Methane and methane emissions are, in fact, 20x times more dangerous than CO2 – traditionally painted black by environmentalists.

Where is Methane Hidden and What IS It?

Fortunately, or unfortunately, methane and its emissions are not as commonly or as openly found as carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is found in abundance all over the planet, especially in heavily populated cities. It is a known enemy and we have now been able to combat it in many different ways.

The true green devil, methane is ‘trapped’ and is almost hidden from human sight. It works its damage as covertly as terrorists do – and is probably almost as lethal as they are.

Methane is found primarily in the sub-zero temperatures of the Tundra region. You will see large areas of the northern hemisphere half frozen and covered in slush. That is where methane lurks and wields its dangerous weapons. It is found in good measure right at the bottom of the deep blue seas.

And it could possibly be like the sea monsters of yore – only this monster is real and its danger is imminent.

Why is Methane Suddenly an Ecological Threat Now?

Methane is like a volcano that was silent and ‘dead’ all these years. Methane emissions remained covered in ice and frozen coverings. Now, the sad news is that global warming has melted away our only protection against methane and its emissions – frozen ice.
The result? Gases like methane that were, so far, lying harmlessly ‘dormant’ under layers of ice and snow, might suddenly be released in the atmosphere.

Imagine, a belch, a burp, or a fart releasing noxious smells from the innards of your being …well, this might be something akin to Mother Nature’s burp. It might not smell as bad but it sure can be dangerous.

5 Ways to Combat Methane and its Emissions

1.Use less non- renewable sources of energy and reduce your consumption of fossil fuels.

2.Use hydro-fuels instead of petro based ones.

3.Reduce global warming any which way that you can.

4.Become ‘carbon neutral’ and reduce your carbon footprint.

5.Hope that scientists can figure out a way in which they can trap the carbon particles floating around us and re-use it constructively.

Above all, don’t become complacent. The first warnings have already been issued –

Lake Nyos, almost 25 years ago, emitted or belched gases. It killed almost 2000 people in one fell sweep in the Cameroons.

A couple of years ago, Lake Monoun also burped a rather small belch and wiped off almost 40 people.

Scientists believe that methane and its emissions might even have wiped off many species of animals, flora, and fauna before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

Methane and its emissions were also the villain, eons ago, when large changes in the Earth’s eco-system lead to mass scale destruction of a rich variety of species. Do you want the green devil, methane and its emissions, to strike again?

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

At some point most people are going to find that they need to get rid of old computer equipment.

You’ve probably been told that you should not get rid of your computer equipment just by tossing it out. This is quite true because by doing so you will find that you are contributing to global warming, and that is never a good situation.

To make the process a little bit simpler for you, we have compiled a list of ten way s that you can get rid of old computer parts without causing any problem to the environment that might invoke some kind of climate change in the future.

1. It is important that you do not attempt to burn your computer equipment. It may be acceptable to burn your other trash, but burning equipment like that can give off fumes, as well as cause other problems such as minor explosions.

2. If you must get rid of your computer equipment then make sure that you take it to an authorized recycling center so that the proper procedures can be taken to get rid of the items without causing any harm to the environment.

3. If you don’t want to do this, or if there is a recycling fee, you can always sell the equipment. There are many different online auction sites that can help with this and you wouldn’t believe how many people are dying to get their hands on some of the older equipment. It’s not available anymore, so there are those out there stuck with hardware they cannot use because it lacks the parts. If you have the parts you can really make their day.

4. If you cannot seem to sell these items then you always have the option of giving them away for free. There are online advertisement sites where you can make your own postings and try to give the stuff away. Usually you will find a taker.

5. You have the option to drop these parts off at a second hand store, but you might find that you need to assemble them into something useful before you do that because chances are the staff at that store has no idea how to do such things.

6. If you find that none of the above seem to suite your tastes then you could always install a basic operating system on the computer that you build from the parts and run your own server from your home.

7. Find new things to do with the equipment, you can always hollow out a monitor or case and use it as a trash can!

8. You might consider donating the parts to a computer museum, particularly if they are very old, which is to say from the 70’s or 80’s.

9. Dell recycles old computer components for a fee of $10, and it will be free if the computer is made by Dell.

10. Be responsible, don’t try to bury your components, or burn them, make sure that you always do the right thing. Global warming is quite real and you don’t want to contribute to it.

In the past getting rid of this equipment was hard, but now there are all types of places that want your old computer equipment, so look around and see what options you have, because I assure you they are not few.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

BMW has announced that it will quit Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season. Formula 1 isn’t exactly climate-change friendly and BMW follows Honda, with its Earthdreams campaign, in leaving the sport.

The company has blamed a poor run of results for its decision and has decided to spend its money on environmental campaigns rather than F1 racing.

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the BMW board, said: “Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our Strategy Number ONE, we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula 1 campaign is thus less a key promoter for us.”

Whilst poor results on the track are a definite catalyst for BMW’s withdrawal, environmental considerations have definitely had a part to play in the decision.

KERS, the kinetic recovery system that most teams have abandoned, will be banned next season.It was supposed to be the start of the ‘greening’ of Formula 1. BMW has roadgoing versions on some of its cars which help to reduce fuel consumption. The loss of KERS in Formula 1 isn’t helpful to BMW’s green-orientated publicity machine.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

At current global economic growth rates, it estimates that greenhouse gas emiisions could rise from 433 parts per million carbon dioxide equivalents concentration in the atmosphere in 2006 to an estimated 1000 parts per million carbon dioxide equivalents (ppmCO2e) in 2100.

To avoid the worst effects of global warming, the Carbon Trust calculates that annual global greenhouse gas emissions should remain below 550 ppmCO2e.But today’s investment and business decisions aren’t likely to put us on to the path of a low-carbon economy.

For businesses, the low-carbon economy is a challenge. For those companies that create opportunities by tackling climate change, the Carbon Trust estimates that increases in company value of up to 80% are achievable. Conversely, those companies that do not meet the challenge of global warming will see their value fall by 65%

For the full report go to http://www.carbontrust.com/publications/CTC740_business_rev%20v5.pdf

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The Political Economy Research Institute or PERI has recently released a report on the various clean energy policies that can potentially be effective poverty alleviation measure. The report states that the ultimate beneficiaries of investments in clean energy sources are the American people.

The Economy, Global Warming and Unclean Energy Sources

The past two decades has shown the world the struggle for control of energy sources has created a dependency on not only unclean energy, but unsustainable as well. America, the world’s largest oil consumer has become dangerously dependent on Middle East oil.

This economic situation has borne political complications that culminated in the Gulf War of the 90’s. The recent US invasion of Iraq and the ensuing war in Afghanistan has made energy independence one of the forerunner issues that brought President Obama to the White House. The continuing rise of oil prices has hurt consumers all over the world while Mother Nature sustained damages that caused natural disasters the world has never seen before.

Hurricane Katrina, the wildfires in Australia, the tsunami is Southeast Asia: all these disasters have made investing in alternative energy sources imperative; global warming has suddenly become a more relevant concern than ever.

Reducing Global Warming as a Way to Fight Poverty

With the ill effects of the recent economic crisis that is plaguing the world and in response to the green movement, the American public and private sectors are going green. They are investing in cleaner fuel and redefining business and professional practices and standards to become more earth-friendly.

The recent PERI report has established that investments in a clean-energy economy elevates the economic lives of low-income and underprivileged Americans, boosts the economy by reducing dependence on foreign oil and helps avert the global warming and climate change. Especially in the building and construction industries, there’s a growing demand for qualified skilled workers to fill vacancies.

Currently, the supply of workers is largely insufficient to meet this demand. It is in this convergence that experts see a unified solution to both economic and environmental challenges in this country. Going green raises general public awareness on environmental issues and enlists voluntary support of earth-saving practices. At the same time, the trend toward green buildings, homes and communities opens doors of opportunities to the American workforce for a steady, sustainable career in the various green industries.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites