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Global Warming – Why is it happening?

Many nations rely heavily on coal, oil and natural gas to supply most of their energy needs, but counting on fossil fuels presents a huge problem – they are non- renewable; they draw on finite resources that will eventually diminish, becoming too costly or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. Energy from fossil fuels is the primary cause of global warming. When these fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the Earth’s atmosphere. Global temperatures are increased when concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases increase, trapping heat and warming the planet. The United States is historically the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels also causes air, water and soil pollution. Limiting global warming means reducing the amount of energy obtained from fossil fuels and increasing dependence on non-fossil energy resources –solar, wind, hydroelectricity, geothermal and other renewable energy resources.

Carbon Footprint – What is it?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

Reduce your Carbon Footprint – How can you do your part to help?

Here's a list of simple things you can do immediately

 

These will start to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items in this list will cost you no money at all and will in fact save you money.

 

· Turn off lights, television, computer, etc...when not in use

· Turn down the central heating slightly

· Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)

· Check the central heating timer - there is no point heating the house after you have left for work

· Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load to save water, electricity, and detergent

· Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging

· Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly

· Do your weekly shopping in a single trip

· Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it

· Go for a run rather than driving to the gym

 

For more tips on how to do your part, please visit the TIPS page.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Diana Nguyen takes full responsibility for the information posted. The information on this page represents that of Diana Nguyen and not that of California State University Sacramento .

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