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Causes of global warming—The
earth’s average temperature is determined primarily by two competing
effects, incoming radiation from the sun and radiation from the earth
back into space. The level of incoming radiation has several long-term
cyclical variations (one as long as 125,000 years) caused by small changes
in the earth’s orbit. During the past 1000 years, except for a few
brief warming periods when Vikings were farming in Greenland, a gradual
cooling continued until about 1980. Now, glaciers that covered much of
North America and other areas of the earth are receding rapidly. The icecap
in the artic is melting and polar bears are becoming an endangered species.
Critics of global warming claim that this is part of the natural cycle.
The greenhouse effect—Outgoing radiation that escapes into space is limited by the greenhouse effect, which depends on gases and particles in the atmosphere. Greenhouses do work—the earth’s atmosphere is its greenhouse. Without it, the average temperature of the earth would be a cold -2 F. The main greenhouse gas responsible for the current global warming surge is CO2 released in burning fossil fuels: coal, petroleum and natural gas. The heat-trapping CO2 level is now almost twice as much as anytime in the past 625,000 years and is largely responsible for the current global warming. Scientists calculate that if the increase continues as it is now, the “tipping point,” when the problem cannot be corrected, may occur within 10 years. To avoid this means burning less fossil fuel as Britain and some states, notably California are doing. Under current US policy, CO2 emissions will continue to increase. Renewable energy sources—We have vast sources of non-fossil fuel, including solar, wind, ocean currents, geothermal, etc. With development of the technologies to harness these sources, along with conservation and improved energy efficiency, all our energy needs can be met. Unfortunately, the US is not taking the lead in this development, while a number of states, notably California are going it on their own. These areas offer a golden opportunity for jobs growth and economic stimulus. Either we do it or watch while other countries take the lead and reap the benefits as has happened with the automobile. Ethanol and Biofuels—Ethanol and other “biofuels’ can be produced from corn, sugar cane, switch grass, and even household waste. Brazil has replaced 50% of the gasoline for its 28 million 40mpg cars with sugarcane ethanol the yields 9 times the energy used to produce it. The US can NOT have comparable success for 230 million 20mpg cars from corn that yields only 1.3 times the energy used to produce it. Although Brazil exports ethanol, the US imposes a 54 cent/gal import tax on it to favor US producers. The push for ethanol in the US is more about subsidizing agribusiness than energy independence. Bush’s announced goal for ethanol is far too optimistic and some people will conclude that we can continue driving ethanol-guzzling SUV’s. Jobs and the economy—Critics argue that reducing our CO2 emissions would adversely affect our economy. This contention is the main reason why the US has not ratified the Kyoto treaty on emissions reduction. However, the economy would benefit from jobs created in developing renewable energy sources and in producing more energy efficient products. For example, US auto makers might not have lost out to Japan if they had chosen to produce energy efficient cars rather than gas-guzzling SUV’s. Florida could be a leader in developing solar energy rather than being surpassed by Germany and Japan. Governor Charlie Crist sees the role that Florida should have in combating global warming and plans to take the initiative. What you can do--The situation is grim but not hopeless. Starting immediately, we must reduce our use of fossil fuels through government initiatives, industry innovations, and especially individual actions. We have overcome grave crises before, including repairing the hole in the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons, and recovery of endangered species such as the eagle after widespread use of DDT. Most of the suggestions here will save you money in the long run. All are things that we should do to save resources for future generations even if global warming were not occurring. (See Chart: Potential CO2 Reductions for a Family of Four) Cars and light trucks (pickups and SUV’s) use 40% of US oil consumption and cause 20% of CO2 emissions. Change your driving habits and save 25-50%: drive less by consolidating errands, drive slower (on the highway, driving 70 mph consumes 10% more gas than 65 mph), avoid jack rabbit starts and screeching stops. Keep correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires and high speed are the two biggest drains on efficiency. The most important step in reducing emissions is improving mileage standards for cars and light trucks. This will take aggressive lobbying of Congress. Make your next car a fuel-efficient one. (See www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml.) Recycle everything possible: recycling one aluminum can saves energy equal to about ½ gal of gas, recycling one glass container saves enough to run a 100 W light bulb for 4 hours, recycling a family’s newspapers for one year saves 17 trees, 380 gal of oil, and 4000 kWh. A national recycling rate of 60 % would be equivalent to taking 50 million cars off the road. Switch to fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent and turning power off completely to computers, TVs, radios, stereos, and printers when not in use. (Note that fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and should not be disposed in household waste.) Have your utility (GRU) do a free energy audit of your home. This will
give good information about how to save the most energy. If your utility
does not provide this service you can do your own (See www.energyguide.com.)
Tax credits are available in 2007 for many home improvements that reduce
energy use. Wash clothes in warm water, rinse in cold and dry in a “solar” dryer, i.e. outside on a line (by law homeowners associations can not prohibit this).
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