GET TO KNOW GLOBAL WARMING
Similar to traveling in the backcountry, with global warming, although there exists tons information out there, sometimes its hard to sift through what pertains to you and how can you use this information to make educated and smart decisions We have put together some quick facts and info to help you make smart choices this winter.
Global warming is a result of the warming of the earth’s surface and atmosphere. It occurs as a result of energy from the sun being trapped by gases in the atmosphere, primarily CO2 and methane.
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The Facts:
☼ Seven Ski Resorts in Europe have closed glacial summer skiing in just the last two years and blame global warming.
☼ The latest UN report on climate change warns that within 50 years over 200 ski resorts may have to close due to climate change.
☼ In the US, current carbon dioxide emission trends along with the subsequent global warming is forecasting closure of ski areas under 5,000 feet
☼ Nineteen of the 20 hottest years on record have occurred since 1980; the top 10 since 1990
☼ Worldwide average temperatures warmed a full degree over the 20th Century
☼ Most scientists agree that pollution is to blame for global warming. The biggest culprit is carbon dioxide, which comes from fossil fuels like coal and oil
☼ Scientists predict that within 10 years there will be no more snows on Kilimanjaro, once one of the great glaciers of Africa
☼ Our own Glacier National Park is expected to be Glacier-less with in the next 15 years
☼ Studies are confirming that warmer water in the top layer of the ocean can drive more convection energy to fuel more powerful hurricanes
Our Situation, What does all this mean:
☼ Shorter, warmer winters worsen conditions for skiing, skating, ice fishing and other outdoor winter activities, affecting tourist and recreation-oriented economies.
☼ Rising sea levels, due to ocean thermal expansion and melting ice caps, threaten coastal property affecting real estate markets (and insurance rates/availability), landscapes and recreation areas.
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☼ Human health risks grow more prevalent, as fossil fuels burned in vehicles and power plants cause more pollution-induced asthma, and a changing climate makes it easier for disease-bearing insects suck as ticks, mosquitoes to spread and reproduce.
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☼ Forest health declines, threatening various forest industries. Sugar maples and the vibrant fall foliage and delicious maple syrup they produce are highly vulnerable to prolonged warmer temperatures.
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☼ Wildlife habitats depended upon by songbirds and other species are transformed, degraded or destroyed
Energy makes our human world go around, yet our most common sources for making electricity and powering our cars are outdated, dirty and dangerous. The harmful excess of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere from burning fossil fuels is not a “necessary evil;” we already have the technological power to do better, and untapped potential for even more innovation. By maximizing efficiency (reducing demand) and altering our generation capacities (changing the supply pool).
So what can YOU do?
Change a lightbulb, change the world.
Use energy-saving light bulbs they use one-fourth the energy of a conventional bulb and last ten times longer. It saves you money over the life of the bulb, too. (ENERGY STAR qualified lighting provides bright, warm light but uses at least 2/3 less energy than standard lighting, generates 70 percent less heat, and lasts up to 10 times longer.)
Drive smart. Drive less.
Emissions from cars and trucks create smog and acid rain, aggravate asthma, heart disease and respiratory illness, and account for about 25% of all U.S. greenhouse gases. Keep your car tuned up and your tires inflated for better fuel mileage. Use air conditioning sparingly for in-city driving. Leave your car at home and walk, run, ride your bike, carpool or take public transportation. Don't forget when it's time for a new car, consider the more efficient alternatives. Check out www.greenercars.comfor the best models in each category.
Eat Organic when possible.
Certified organic food is grown, handled and processed without synthetic pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. Organic farming helps preserve biological diversity, conserve the soil, and protect water resources. Organic foods contain significantly less pesticide residues than conventionally grown foods. And, organic farming practices help fight global warming by storing large amounts of carbon in the soil. Read more at www.ota.com.
Eat local.
The food on our plates has traveled an average of 1300 miles. Help create a more sustainable food system by purchasing locally-grown foods. Support farmers' markets and community supported agriculture. Find a farm near you: www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa.
Serve a cup of justice—fair trade coffee.
In the midst of a worldwide slump in coffee prices, coffee farmers are being paid far less than what they need to feed their families and stay on the land. Visit www.fairtradeaction.org and www.equalexchange.com to learn more. In addition to great coffee, when you buy fair trade shade-grown coffee you help conserve vital habitat for migratory songbirds (http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Coffee) and other wildlife.
Cultivate a pesticide-free garden.
Keep your yard safe for children and pets by using alternatives to herbicides and insecticides. Ask your lawn-care service provider for organic, non-chemical options. Learn more at the Pesticide Action Network.
House Cleaning.
The fumes and chemicals from many cleaning products pose a threat to you and the environment. Switch to non-toxic cleaners. Find out more at the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (and check out their new book, The Household Detective).
Use caution with plastics.
Some plastics contain hormone-disrupting chemicals called phthalates that leach into the food or substances they touch. Don’t microwave in plastic, especially plastic wrap. Choose safer plastics for food storage (#1 and #2) or use glass or ceramic containers. As children tend to put things in their mouths, keep them away from toys that contain polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC). Learn more at the Green Guide.
Biking for a better world.
The bicycle is the ultimate lean, green, clean machine. Become a bicycle advocate— check out the League of American Bicyclists campaign to make cities more bicycle-friendly or your local bike coalition. Carrying heavy loads? Turn your bike into an SUB (sport utility bicycle). Learn more at www.xtracycle.com.
Think globally, Act locally.
Your voice matters; your opinions count. Speak up about air and water pollution, toxic chemicals, and global warming. Be an advocate for healthier food and transportation systems, open space, and a safer world for our children. For an easy, quick and effective way to make your voice heard, visit www.saveourenvironment.org.
Register to vote.
Exercise your right to vote. The way you vote can have a profound impact on the environment. Stay informed on local issues. Find our how your congressperson voted on the environment through The League of Conservation Voters.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead
Check out the following organizations and their links for more Information
The Inconvenient Truth
Alison Gannett – www.alisongannett.com
Clif Bar– www.clifbar.com
New Belgium– www.newbelgium.com
Patagonia– www.patagonia.com
Energy Star- http://www.energystar.gov/
Environment Colorado- http://www.environmentcolorado.org/
Osprey– www.ospreypacks.com
Bioneers- http://www.bioneers.org/
The Breast Cancer Fund – www.breastcancerfund.org
