global warming is caused by green house gases

8/14/2019 Global Warming is Caused by Green House Gases

1/17

Global warming is caused by green house gases, which trap in the suns infrared rays in

the earths atmosphere, which in turn heat up the earths atmosphere. These green house

effect warming is called as global warming. The effects of green house effect are visible more

prominently in the recent years, with number of natural calamities on the rise in the whole

world.

The global warming has happened in the past few years and is evident from the rise in

mean temperature of the earths atmosphere. The main causes for the global warming are

attributed to release of green house gases by human activities. The main gases contributing

to green house effect are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and nitrous oxide. The

largest producers of these gases are the thermal power plants, which burn the fossil fuels and

produce these gases in large quantities. The second biggest sources of these green house

gases are the road vehicles and industries.

The global warming has led to increase in mean earth surface temperature and thus

melting of polar ice. There are frequent melt down of glaciers that result in floods and other

natural calamities. The melting of ice at the poles had led the mean sea level. And further

increase in temperature may further melt the ice and lead to further increase in mean sea

level, which will engulf low lying countries.

The effect of global warming is very evident on the animal kingdom also. Some animals

have become extinct due to loss of their natural habitat or their inability to evolve to the

rapid changes in the climate. Also there is a change in their life style because of the changes

in the seasons. The migrating birds have changed their time of travel and also their place of

migration.

The effect of global warming can be felt on seasons too. There is shift in season cycle, as

the summers are getting longer than the winters. This has affected the animals and made

them to change their lifestyle accordingly, and those who failed to do so have perished or on

the verge of extinction.

The global warming is also responsible for the introduction of some new diseases. The

bacteria are more effective and multiply much faster in warmer temperatures compared to

cold temperatures. The increase in temperature has led to increase in the microbes that

cause diseases.


2/17

Global warming is also effecting the crop production, as the crops are getting destroyed

by the sudden change in temperatures or sudden on set of rains. Also the flash floods and

other natural calamities affect the crop.

As a matter of fact, because of global warming, the earths atmosphere is getting more

unpredictable with heavy rains in the areas, which have scanty rainfall or drought in the

areas, which received good annual rainfall. The months of rainfall has also getting affected.

But there are some people on the other side of the wall also, they believe that the global

warming is a natural processand cannot disturb our ecosystem. The earths surface mean

temperature was even higher a long time ago, and the ecosystem has evolved from that

temperature to this. So it can evolve further. But the changes that are happening now are

rather fast compared to earlier times.

Cause and effect for global warming

Cause of global warming

Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the

increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2),

methane and ozone. Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect (seebelow). The largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the

emission of carbon dioxide.

The greenhouse effect

When sunlight reaches Earth's surface some is absorbed and warms the earth and most of the rest is

radiated back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the sun light. Some of these longer

wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they are lost to space. The

absorption of this longwave radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a

mirror and reflect back to the Earth some of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to space.

The reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect".

The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse

effect on Earth (not including clouds); carbon dioxide CO2, which causes 9-26%; methane, which

causes 4-9%, and ozone, which causes 3-7%. It is not possible to state that a certain gas causes a

certain percentage of the greenhouse effect, because the influences of the various gases are not


3/17

additive. Other greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride,

hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons.

Global warming causes by greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (see above) act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth a part

of the heat radiation, which would otherwise be lost to space. The higher the concentration of green

house gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more heat energy is being reflected back to

the Earth. The emission of carbon dioxide into the environment mainly from burning of fossil fuels (oil,

gas, petrol, kerosene, etc.) has been increased dramatically over the past 50 years, see graph below.

Fig. 1: Cause for global warming: Carbon dioxide emissions in million tons per year over the

last 200 years. (graph taken from

http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Global_Carbon_Emission_by_Type_png)


4/17

Fig. 2: Global warming cause: Concentration of carbon dioxide has dramatically increased in

the last 50 years (Source: NOAA)


5/17

Fig 2: Trends for greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx)concentrations in the atmosphere are still increasing. For the other major greenhouse gases,

the steady upward trend has been broken. (Graph taken from

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Major_greenhouse_gas_trends.png)


6/17

Fig 3: From which sectors do the major greenhouse gas emissions come from? The lower

part of the picture shows the sources individually for the gases carbon dioxide, methane

and nitrous oxide, respectively. (Graph from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Greenhouse_Gas_by_Sector.png)

The increase of greenhouse gas concentration (mainly carbon dioxide) led to a substantial warming of

the earth and the sea, calledglobal warming. In other words: The increase in the man-made emission

of greenhouse gases is the cause for global warming. For the effects of global warming see below.
http://timeforchange.org/definition-for-global-warming-what-is-global-warminghttp://timeforchange.org/definition-for-global-warming-what-is-global-warminghttp://timeforchange.org/definition-for-global-warming-what-is-global-warminghttp://timeforchange.org/definition-for-global-warming-what-is-global-warming


7/17

Effects of global warming

There are two major effects of global warming:

Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3 to 5 C (5.4 to 9 Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.

Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet) by the year 2100.

More details about the effects of global warming :

Increasing global temperatures are causing a broad range of changes. Sea levels are rising due to

thermal expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice. Amounts and patterns of

precipitation are changing. The total annual power of hurricanes has already increased markedly since

1975 because their average intensity and average duration have increased (in addition, there has

been a high correlation of hurricane power with tropical sea-surface temperature).

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of

other extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of

global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer

stream flows, species extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, diseases like malaria are

returning into areas where they have been extinguished earlier.

Although global warming is affecting the number and magnitude of these events, it is difficult to

connect specific events to global warming. Although most studies focus on the period up to 2100,

warming is expected to continue past then because carbon dioxide (chemical symbol CO2) has anestimated atmospheric lifetime of 50 to 200 years. For a summary of the predictions for the future

increase in temperature up to 2100

The planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole, and everywhere in between. Globally, the

mercury is already up more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius), and even more in

sensitive polar regions. And the effects of rising temperatures arent waiting for some far-flungfuture. Theyre happening right now. Signs are appearing all over, and some of them aresurprising. The heat is not only melting glaciers and sea ice, its also shifting precipitation

patterns and setting animals on the move.

Some impacts from increasing temperatures are already happening.


8/17

Ice is melting worldwide, especially at the Earths poles. This includes mountain glaciers,

ice sheets covering West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice.

Researcher Bill Fraser has tracked the decline of the Adlie penguins on Antarctica,

where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years.

Sea level rise became faster over the last century.

Some butterflies, foxes, and alpine plants have moved farther north or to higher, coolerareas.

Precipitation (rain and snowfall) has increased across the globe, on average.

Spruce bark beetles have boomed in Alaska thanks to 20 years of warm summers. Theinsects have chewed up 4 million acres of spruce trees.

Other effects could happen later this century, if warming continues.

Sea levels are expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 and 59 centimeters) by the

end of the century, and continued melting at the poles could add between 4 and 8 inches(10 to 20 centimeters).

Hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger. Species that depend on one another may become out of sync. For example, plants could

bloom earlier than their pollinating insects become active.

Floods and droughts will become more common. Rainfall in Ethiopia, where droughts are

already common, could decline by 10 percent over the next 50 years.

Less fresh water will be available. If the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru continues to melt at its

current rate, it will be gone by 2100, leaving thousands of people who rely on it for

drinking water and electricity without a source of either.

Some diseases will spread, such as malaria carried by mosquitoes.

Ecosystems will changesome species will move farther north or become more

successful; others wont be able to move and could become extinct. Wildlife research

scientist Martyn Obbard has found that since the mid-1980s, with less ice on which tolive and fish for food, polar bears have gotten considerably skinnier. Polar bear biologist

Ian Stirling has found a similar pattern in Hudson Bay. He fears that if sea ice

disappears, the polar bears will as well.

Global Warming effects

Green house gases stay can stay in the atmosphere for an amount of years ranging from decadesto hundreds and thousands of years. No matter what we do, global warming is going to have

some effect on Earth. Here are the 5 deadliest effects of global warming.

5. Spread of diseaseAs northern countries warm, disease carrying insects migrate north, bringing plague and diseasewith them. Indeed some scientists believe that in some countries thanks to global warming,

malaria has not been fully eradicated.
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/malaria-no-longer-eradicated-thanks-to-global-warming/402


9/17

4. Warmer waters and more hurricanesAs the temperature of oceans rises, so will the probability of more frequent and strongerhurricanes. We saw in this in 2004 and 2005.

3. Increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat wavesAlthough some areas of Earth will become wetter due to global warming, other areas will suffer

serious droughts and heat waves. Africa will receive the worst of it, with more severe droughts

also expected in Europe. Water is already a dangerously rare commodity in Africa, and

according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global warming will exacerbatethe conditions and could lead to conflicts and war.

2. Economic consequencesMost of the effects of anthropogenic global warming wont be good. And these effects spell one

thing for the countries of the world: economic consequences. Hurricanes cause do billions ofdollars in damage, diseases cost money to treat and control and conflicts exacerbate all of these.

1. Polar ice caps meltingThe ice caps melting is a four-pronged danger.

First, it will raise sea levels. There are 5,773,000 cubic miles of water in ice caps, glaciers, and

permanent snow. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, if all glaciers melted

today the seas would rise about 230 feet. Luckily, thats not going to happen all in one go! Butsea levels will rise.

Second, melting ice caps will throw the global ecosystem out of balance. The ice caps are fresh

water, and when they melt they will desalinate the ocean, or in plain English make it less salty.

The desalinization of the gulf current will screw up ocean currents, which regulate

temperatures. The stream shutdown or irregularity would cool the area around north-east

America and Western Europe. Luckily, that will slow some of the other effects of global

warming in that area!

Third, temperature rises and changing landscapes in the artic circle will endanger several species

of animals. Only the most adaptable will survive.

Fourth, global warming could snowball with the ice caps gone. Ice caps are white, and reflectsunlight, much of which is relected back into space, further cooling Earth. If the ice caps melt,

the only reflector is the ocean. Darker colors absorb sunlight, further warming the Earth.


10/17

some of the causes of global warming are:-The average facade temperature of the globe has augmented

more than 1 degree Fahrenheit since 1900 and the speed of warming has been almost three folds the

century long average since 1970. This increase in earths average temperature is called Global warming.

More or less all specialists studying the climate record of the earth have the same opinion now that

human actions, mainly the discharge of green house gases from smokestacks, vehicles, and burning

forests, are perhaps the leading power driving the fashion. As said, the major cause of global warming is

the emission of green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc into the atmosphere.

The major source of carbon dioxide is the power plants. These power plants emit large amounts of

carbon dioxide produced from burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation. About

twenty percent of carbon dioxide emitted in the atmosphere comes from burning of gasoline in the

engines of the vehicles. This is true for most of the developed countries. Buildings, both commercial and

residential represent a larger source of global warming pollution than cars and trucks.

Building of these structures require a lot of fuel to be burnt which emits a large amount of carbon

dioxide in the atmosphere. Methane is more than 20 times as effectual as CO2 at entrapping heat in the

atmosphere. Methane is obtained from resources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in

bogs and fossil fuel manufacture. When fields are flooded, anaerobic situation build up and the organic

matter in the soil decays, releasing methane to the atmosphere. The main sources of nitrous oxide

include nylon and nitric acid production, cars with catalytic converters, the use of fertilizers in

agriculture and the burning of organic matter. Another cause of global warming is deforestation that is

caused by cutting and burning of forests for the purpose of residence and industrialization.

now the prevention of As said, the major cause of global warming is the emission of green house gases

like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc into the atmosphere. The major source of carbon dioxide

is the power plants. These power plants emit large amounts of carbon dioxide produced from burning of

fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity generation. About twenty percent of carbon dioxide emitted in

the atmosphere comes from burning of gasoline in the engines of the vehicles. This is true for most of

the developed countries. Buildings, both commercial and residential represent a larger source of global

warming pollution than cars and trucks.

Building of these structures require a lot of fuel to be burnt which emits a large amount of carbon

dioxide in the atmosphere. Methane is more than 20 times as effectual as CO2 at entrapping heat in the

atmosphere. Methane is obtained from resources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in

bogs and fossil fuel manufacture. When fields are flooded, anaerobic situation build up and the organic

matter in the soil decays, releasing methane to the atmosphere. The main sources of nitrous oxide

include nylon and nitric acid production, cars with catalytic converters, the use of fertilizers in

agriculture and the burning of organic matter. Another cause of global warming is deforestation that is

caused by cutting and burning of forests for the purpose of residence and industrialization.

The remedy of global warming are:-Reduce production and combustion of


11/17

fossil fuels, and hence emissions of carbon dioxide

Ross Gelbspan (author of The Heat Is On, a best-selling book on global warming) and a group of energy

experts have proposed a "World Energy Modernization Plan." The plan calls for the creation of a 0.25

percent tax on international currency transactions, yielding $150 to $200 billion for a fund to promote

the global adoption of renewable and energy efficient technologies. (Such a plan, Gelbspan says, would

"communicate the scope and scale of what's needed to deal with this crisis. The science on what needs

to be done is unambiguous." REF )

De-privatize (i.e., socialize) U. S. power companies, which will allow faster transition from fossil fuels to

renewable forms of energy, without regard for private profits. (Renewables face the continued obstacle

of the political power of the utility, nuclear and fossil fuels industries. However, the U.S. public strongly

supports funding of renewables. REF )

Educate the public in how to effectively use renewables such as solar and wind energy, and support

their adoption with a range of tax benefits, mandates and pricing programs (e.g., see "Report Finds

Midwest Could Be Saudi Arabia of Renewable Energy; Economic Windfall for Farmers, Cleaner Air for

Consumers'" Union of Concerned Scientists, 14 February 2001).

Pressure U.S. politicians to support international treaties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (joining

most of the world's nations).

Work to expose corporate propaganda and Astroturf groups that are opposed to global warming

controls-- tell your friends, speak to community gropus, write to newspapers, join and support

environmental groups, etc. As Mother Jones said, "Raise hell."

Remain quiet, go about your work, and just hope that somebody else will do something.

Facts About Global Warming

One of the major environmental issues haunting people is global warming. We need to stress what

individuals can do to contribute to the prevention of global warming. The gradual increase in the

temperature of the earth, caused by many factors, is referred to as global warming. Man is now

acknowledged to be one of the main contributors. The gradual increase in global temperatures is not

a recent phenomenon, and has been occurring for quite some time. Rising rates of pollution have

caused an increase in global warming, largely due to an increases in the development of cities and


12/17


13/17

warming. For us and for our future generations, each of us must make the decision to take whatever

steps are necessary to prevent global warming, because together we can make a difference!

What is global Warming?Global warming is the process of a gradual increase in the earths atmospheric and ground

temperatures throughout the entire planet. Studies have shown that global temperature has risen by

1 degree Fahrenheit over the last century. Day-to-day activities by humans since the beginning of the

industrial era have resulted in the increased emission ofcarbon dioxideand other greenhouse gasses

to the atmosphere, causing a trend of warming at a distressing pace.

Causes of global warming

Carbon emissions - Carbon dioxide traps the heat of the sun on the globe, much like a veritable

balloon filled with warm air. On an average day, humans add to the atmospheric level of carbon

dioxide in several ways, from power plants to vehicles.Air pollutionfrom industrial plants is increasing

at an alarming level despite steps taken to enforce environmentally friendly practices.

Deforestation - Following carbon emissions by humans, deforestation is the next most important cause

of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Millions of acres of tropicalrain forestsare lost each year causing

climate change. Temperate forests which serve to absorb billions of tons of carbon are also being cut

down at a tremendous rate.

The dire consequences

Weather patterns- Apart from the wildfires caused by scorching hot and dry weather which burns

millions of acres of land worldwide, the main cause for concern is drought, which also increases the

risk of wildfires. Drought causes crops to fail, causing starvation and diseases in less developed

countries where agriculture is the main source of food and income. Conversely, warm temperatures

can also cause heavier rainfall and floods. More energy in the climatic system causes hurricanes and

tsunamis. Balance of ecology is disturbed.

Health - Smog in certain parts of the world is causing allergies and asthmatic conditions to worsen.

The poor air quality also results in weakened respiratory system. Droughts and other eco disruptions

lead to the rapid spread of infectious diseases and food and waterborne illnesses such as malaria,

cholera and dengue fever.

Wildlife - With ecosystems unable to adapt to the pace of climatic changes, several species are

reaching near extinction. From decreasing numbers of polar bears to the danger of extinction of

penguins in the Antarctic, this threat has roots in the vast reductions of their natural habitats.

What measures you can take?

Stop pollution! - Cutting down pollution from car emissions and power plants will decrease the rate of

global warming to a great extent. Varied technologies for use of alternative energy have already been
http://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htmhttp://www.content4reprint.com/environment/causes-and-organizations/global-warming-causes-consequences-and-remedies.htm


14/17

developed. And, more technology is being developed regularly. We need to continue to make use of

current alternative energy resources like wind power and solar power, and we can adopt new

technologies as they are developed.

Changes to the legal system - With public support on the rise, laws must be imposed worldwide to cap

emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses from industrial and power plants. Tighter

standards for appliances such as air conditioners and heat pumps will also strengthen the efforts toreduce emissions.

Make it YOUR problem. - Energy conservation should be addressed in a right way. Reduce your energy

bills by opting for little changes such as fluorescent lights and environmentally friendly refrigerators.

Make an effort in every little way you can to sustain the planet for future generations. Let us embrace

sustainable development.

Global warming causes and remedies

Global warming causes and remedies

Global warming is caused by the green house gases such as carbon di oxide, methane, nitrous oxide,

hydro fluoro carbons, perfluoro carbon and sulpur hexafluoride. Among these first two gases are the

major contributor. These gases rise the temperature of the atmosphere.

Concentration of these gases have resulted in melting of glaciers, rise in sea level which will result in

submerging of lower area of earth, extreme wether events such as frequent cyclones and stroms.
http://ugpro143.blogspot.com/2009/12/global-warming-causes-and-remedies.htmlhttp://ugpro143.blogspot.com/2009/12/global-warming-causes-and-remedies.htmlhttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1YUZv5rd5AE/SyiKklf_fgI/AAAAAAAADE8/kWp7AZc-lTk/s1600-h/nobel+peace.pnghttp://ugpro143.blogspot.com/2009/12/global-warming-causes-and-remedies.html


15/17

Drive away the carbon emission with Renewable

energy technologies

Some efforts shoule be taken for reduction of these emission.

The top 5 contributors are US, Russia, UK, China and India. Developed countries have already beenemitting most persentage of emission. Developing countries have also been emitting in order to

maintain their growth.

There several meets and protocols worldwide to reduce the effect of Green House gases(GHGs). These

are Kyoto protocol, Copenhagen meet and so on. They have agreed to reduce these GHGs by 2020.

Wheather they are developed or developing countries, the individuals should aware of these emissions

and try to reduce by taking responsibilities at their own risk in order to save our earth.

As the technologies have been revolutioning the world, scientist and experts should found new ways of

using solar, wind and other renewable energies at reduced cost, so that the conventional vechicles and

industrial components would be completely avoided.

Politcians should also cooperate for the technological breakthrough in order to reduce the carbonemissions for saving our earth

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce

Global Warming

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products

with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to

reduce waste. And whenever you can, recyclepaper,plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If
http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/officepaper.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/officepaper.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/officepaper.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/earthtalkcolumns/a/recycleplastics.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/earthtalkcolumns/a/recycleplastics.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/earthtalkcolumns/a/recycleplastics.htmhttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1YUZv5rd5AE/SyiJ-5Vo37I/AAAAAAAADE0/Vem35bXkptI/s1600-h/global-green-challenge-09.jpghttp://environment.about.com/od/earthtalkcolumns/a/recycleplastics.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/officepaper.htm


16/17

there isn't arecycling programat your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting

one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide

annually.

2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors andwindows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you

need to heat and cool your home.

Turn down the heat while you're sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures

moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer

could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

3.Change a Light Bulb

Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing

just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs

also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent

less heat.

If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of

greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4.Drive Less and Drive Smart

Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of

exercise. Explore your community mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work

or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping yourtires properly

inflatedcan improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only

helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products

When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come

in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more

natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.

Avoid products that come withexcess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that

can't be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of

carbon dioxide annually.

6. Use Less Hot Water

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is morethan 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon

dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the

energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide

annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on yourdishwasherand let the dishes

air-dry.

7. Use the "Off" Switch
http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefit_vs_cost.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefit_vs_cost.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefit_vs_cost.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/light_bulbs.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/light_bulbs.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/light_bulbs.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/public_transit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/public_transit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/public_transit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/zero_waste.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/zero_waste.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/zero_waste.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/dishwashers.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/dishwashers.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/dishwashers.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/dishwashers.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/zero_waste.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/tire_pressure.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/public_transit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/light_bulbs.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefit_vs_cost.htm


17/17

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using

only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and

computer when you're not using them.

It's also a good idea to turn off the water when you're not using it. While brushing your teeth,

shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You'll

reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.

8.Plant a Tree

If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants

absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric

exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon

dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will

absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

9.Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company

Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their

homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs tohelp pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10. Encourage Others to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-

workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that

are good for the environment.

These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget.

And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and

contribute to global warming.
http://environment.about.com/od/whatyoucando/a/billion_trees.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/whatyoucando/a/billion_trees.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/whatyoucando/a/billion_trees.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivinginyourhome/a/energy_audit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivinginyourhome/a/energy_audit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivinginyourhome/a/energy_audit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/greenlivinginyourhome/a/energy_audit.htmhttp://environment.about.com/od/whatyoucando/a/billion_trees.htm

global warming is caused by green house gases

Documents