Facts about Global Warming & what can you do about it.

Global warming is no joke. Here are some facts that will make you think twice before dismissing global warming as somebody else's problem. Find out what you can do to slow down or reverse the trend.

This Whole Mess Is Our Fault

There is a broad scientific consensus that humans are causing global warming by burning fossil fuels when we drive, fly, and use electricity.

Your use of fossil fuels is actually changing the composition of the atmosphere. The US and China are the two biggest emitters of carbon dioxide worldwide.

Individuals making consumption choices got us into this mess in the first place. Now it's up to everyone, including you, to get us out. Don't Wait to Take Action!

Sixteen Million New Cars on The Road Every Year

That's really scary when you consider that automobiles are one of the major sources of global carbon emissions.

Remember: bikes aren't just toys

In the U.S., about 20% of total carbon emissions come from driving. If everyone were to reduce their gasoline use by just 10%, we would keep 2.8 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere each year. Plus, you'll also enjoy the health benefits of riding a bike or walking instead of driving and the pleasure of being outdoors instead of cooped up in a car.

So get out of your car and onto a bike!

The Disappearing Rainforests

The Rainforest has been described as the "Lungs of our Planet" because it provides the essential environmental world service of continuously recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen.

One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both developing and industrial countries.

Massive deforestation brings with it many ugly consequences-air and water pollution, soil erosion, malaria epidemics, the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the eviction and decimation of indigenous tribes, and the loss of biodiversity through extinction of plants and animals. Fewer rainforests mean less rain, less oxygen for us to breathe, and an increased threat from global warming.

Keep more money in your pocket

It's a simple thing, but buying less stuff is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your share of global carbon emissions and save money to boot. Just think about the fact that everything you buy has to come from somewhere. So everything you buy has to be created, which means a factory somewhere is using energy and emitting greenhouse gases to make it. To get to you, that thing has to be transported, which also requires energy. Finally, when you throw that thing away, it takes energy to cart it off to the landfill. You can have an even bigger impact when you practice the third 'R' - Reduce, than when you follow either of the other two - Reuse and Recycle.

Global Fossil Fuel Use Still Increasing

Fossil fuels are the main energy source for generating electricity. More people than ever are aware that fossil fuel consumption is one of the biggest drivers of global warming. And yet, global fossil fuel use is still going up every single year.

We are dumping about 1000 tons of CO2 per second into the atmosphere current rates of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere are unprecedented. Carbon dioxide emissions are mostly from burning fossil fuels.

Reduce your energy bill

Just by being conscientious of when you're using energy, you can greatly reduce your overall consumption. Did you remember to turn off the light when you left the room? Did you unplug your computer after you turned it off? What about the television or the phone charger?

You might be surprised to learn that many appliances draw energy whenever they're plugged in, even if they're not in use. Make a commitment to turn off and unplug anything that you're not actively using.

Scientists Predict 6-Foot Rise In Global Sea Level

In the past 100 years, sea level has already risen between 5 and 9 inches and it is still going up. You may think that's not a lot, but it is. Even a few feet of rise would put many US coastal cities and a large portion of Florida underwater.

Global warming is a real and serious problem. You understand that human actions have caused global warming and that your daily consumption habits are contributing to the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and helping to turn up the temperature.

Warming To Cause More Heat Wave-Related Deaths

Heat waves are gaining in intensity and frequency. Europe's 2003 heat wave caused an estimated 35,000 deaths. If you have older relatives, especially if they live alone, increases in heat waves could pose a deadly risk.

Sources:

The 10 Scary Facts about Global Warming

http://www.acoolerclimate.com/10-scary-facts-about-global-warming.html

How Can We Reduce The Effects of Global Warming

http://www.acoolerclimate.com/how-can-we-reduce-the-effects-of-global-warming.html

The Top 10 Global-Warming Facts

http://zfacts.com/p/783.html

Rainforest Facts

http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm