As the issue of global warming becomes more publicized, many individuals wonder what they can do. Although you may not see the drastic affects of global warming firsthand, it is important to remember that your future family members may. That is why you should do your part to join in the fight against global warming.

When it comes to joining the fight against global warming, there is a common misconception. That misconception is that average, everyday individuals cannot do anything to help. Many mistakenly believe that it is up to the politicians, scientists, and other well known figures to make a difference. This is not true. There are a lot of ways that you can help, in the fight against global warming. In fact, many of the steps that you can take are actually much easier than you may have though.

One of the first things that you will want to look at is your vehicle. Do you need a new car or can you afford to upgrade? If so, you will want to examine hybrids or other energy efficient vehicles. Many are affordable, they can help you save the environment, and you can even save money in the long run. Energy efficient vehicles enable you to save money on gasoline, which is nice with the current prices of gasoline being quite high.

In keeping with your vehicle, it is important to examine your uses. Do you really need to use your car as much as you do? For work, is it possible for you to use public transportation or can you carpool? As for your weekly errands, can you carpool with a friend or family member and turn your weekly errands into a fun filled adventure? If you can, you are urged to do so. The less vehicles on the road make it easier to combat global warming.

Next, you will want to take a look at your home. One of the best ways to help in the fight against global warming is to use as little energy and electricity as possible. You will want to make sure that all lights and appliances are turned off when they are not needed or being used. This may be hard to get use to at first, but you can post sticky notes or other reminders near light switches until everyone in your household gets in the habit of shutting off lights when they aren’t needed.

Staying with your home, if you are in need of new household appliances or when you are ready to upgrade, you will want to examine those with Energy Star labels. These appliances use less electricity, which can help in the fight against global warming. It is also important to mention the money that you are able to save on electricity costs. The prices of these energy saving appliances are usually fair and affordable to begin with too, which is nice.

It is also advised that you check your water heater. Many experts suggest having your water heater set at 120 degrees or lower. Also, a hot water heater blanket can help. A hot water heater blanket can help you with your heating costs and it can also limit the number of toxins your home emits.

The above mentioned ways are all easy ways that you can work to fight global warming and the affects it will have on the environment. With that in mind, there is only so much at one person can do. That is why you will want to take the time to educate your friends or family members on the subject. You may be surprised how many people are unfamiliar with global warming, even with all of the press that it receives. Simply mentioning what your friends or family can do to fight global warming in passing is enough, without seeming too pushy. Another great tip involves giving energy efficient light bulbs as a small housewarming gift or Christmas present.

If you listen to the radio, watch the news on television, or if you surf the internet, there is a good chance that you have heard of global warming before. Global warming is an issue that is increasing in popularity. Just about everywhere you look, whether it be the television, radio, or the internet, global warming is being discussed. Although global warming is widely debated, it is still an issue that many individuals are concerned with.

As global warming continues to be an issue that increases in popularity, you will hear a lot of information on global warming. This information is likely to be anything from facts to opinions and theories. This is what often leads to some confusion surrounding global warming. To help fight that confusion and keep you in the know, a few common global warming myths and their truths are outlined below for you.

Myth: The Earth’s Temperature Is Rising Too Fast

Truth: Yes, it is true that the earth’s temperature is rising. Yes, this temperature rise may be cause for concern, but the temperature is not rising at a fast rate at all. In fact, it is slighting increasing. Even before global warming became an issue and before greenhouse gas emissions increased, the earth’s temperature was rising. That is why many scientist attribute this slight temperature increase to normality, not necessarily global warming.

Myth: Humans Are the Sole Cause of Global Warming

While humans do have a significant impact on global warming, as well as the emission of greenhouse gases, we are not the only cause. A previously stated, many scientists claim that the earth’s temperature has always been on the rise, albeit a slight rise. Although the exact cause of global warming or even if it exists is under debate, there is absolutely no proof that humans are the sole cause of it.

Myth: Global Warming is the Sole Reason for Glaciers Melting

Many global warming activists, including Al Gore, claim that global warming is what is causing the glaciers and ice masses in the north and in the extreme south to melt. Yes, it is true that global warming does have an impact on glaciers melting, but it is not the only cause. There are a number of scientific studies that show that the melting and shifting of glaciers and other ice masses has been happening for years now. This means that global warming is not the only cause of ice melt and the possible rise in sea level because of it.

Myth: Global Warming Isn’t True, As It Is Cold Outside

If you live in the north, you are likely to experience cold and chilly winters. In fact, even during the summertime, you may experiences a slight decrease in temperature. This decrease in temperature is what often leads people to believe that global warming is just an untrue theory. Despite opposition, many scientists do believe that global warming does exist and that it will have a serious impact on the future. As for the temperature, global warming summarizes weather patterns, not just individual events; therefore, you will likely experience a wide range of temperatures and other weather patterns, regardless of where you live.

Myths: Computer Models that Predict Global Warming Are Unreliable

One of the many debates that surround global warming is the use of computer generated weather models. It is no secret that scientists and meteorologists use computer models to predict the weather. Although these weather models are not right all of the time, they do have a pretty high success rate. In fact, numerous weather predicating computer models basically show that global warming is real and that it does have the probability to become a huge problem in the future.

The above mentioned global warming myths are just a few of the many that you will likely hear. If you are unsure as to what you hear from friends, family members, politicians, or scientists is true, you may want to take the time to do a little bit of research This research is relatively easy to do online.

Global warming is an issue that is increasing in popularity. Global warming is widely discussed and debated on the television, radio, and even online. One of the many reason for this increased media coverage is due in part to celebrities. Over the past few years, a large number of celebrities have publicized their stance on global warming. In this same time frame, global warming saw an increase in media exposure. That leaves many wondering what if there is a connection and if so, is that connection doing good?

One of the many celebrities who have helped use their well known name to bring awareness to global warming is that of Al Gore. Al Gore was most well known for his role as the Vice President of the United States, under Bill Clinton. As for now, Al Gore is most well known for his fight against global warming. Al Gore is one of the first political figures to take global warming seriously. In fact, he has done more than that. His award winning documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, has brought much needed attention to this important issue.

Leonardo DiCaprio is another well known figure who has been and who is still using his name to bring attention to the many environmental issues. This award winning actor has turned into a well known environmentalist. One of the many topics that he brings attention to is that of global warming. In addition to making numerous celebrity appearances at global warning related events, he has also created his own documentary. This documentary is titled 11th Hour. Since Leonardo DiCaprio is considered one of the greatest actors of his time, he has the ability to bring much needed attention to global warming, as well as other environmental issues.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is another well known figure that has been using his status to do good for the environment. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a well-known actor turned political figure. In addition to being outspoken on global warming with his views on the subject, he has also taken action not seen by many other politicians. In California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has passed laws that reduce the greenhouse gasses emitted in the state of California and much more.

Laurie David may not be well known herself, but you may have likely heard of her husband before. Her husband is most well known as being the co-creator of Seinfeld. She worked on a documentary for HBO that covered the science behind global warming. There are also reports that she helped to bring Al Gore’s, an Inconvenient Truth, documentary into the public eye.

The above mentioned celebrities are just a few of the many who have used their celebrity status to bring much attention to the hot topic of global warming. In addition to starting their own environmental groups and making their own documentaries or television programs that focus on the issue of global warming, celebrities do much more. Many celebrities are known for providing faces and voices for documentaries, concerts, and other charity events.

Although many individuals view the association with entertainment and global warming overkill, there is a lot that these celebrities and others have done to help in the fight against global warming. For example, there are a number of documentaries on global warming, but Al Gore’s documentary saw success more than others partly because of his well known name and status. For many individuals, they may have not heard about global warning or learned the possible affects of it if it weren’t for celebrities.

Many celebrities, such as the ones outlined above are known for showing their support for the environment, but there are others who have spoken out against global warming. One of those individuals is Michael Crichton, a well-known author. In the year 2002, he wrote a book that basically claimed global warming is nothing but a conspiracy theory. In this book, he claimed that many environmentalists are using global warming as a ploy to receive more money for their organizations. His book was met with a mixture of support and criticism.

Are you interested in learning more about global warming? If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the science behind global warming, the impact it will have on the planet, as well as ways that we can help to stop global warming, you will find that you have a number of different options. Although you can turn to news reports, books and other printed resources on global warming, and the internet, you may want to examine documentaries.

In recent years, documentaries have increased in popularity. This is due in part to knowledge. With the world constantly changing, and not just in terms of global warming, many feel “lost,” if they aren’t in the know. This is the main purpose of documentaries, to educate, yet entertain viewers. If you would like to learn more about global warming though documentaries, you will want to examine Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.

Until recently, Al Gore was most well known for his role of the Vice President of the United States. He served as the Vice President under Bill Clinton. More recently, Al Gore has been known for his active role in the fight against global warming. In addition to explaining the science behind global warming and in addition to describing the impacts it will have on our planet, Al Gore is also known for sharing the many ways that we, as humans, can help to stop global warming. Many of these ideas are easy and affordable to implement.

Returning back to the documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, this is one of the most impact having documentaries you will likely see in your lifetime. What makes this documentary unique and well worth the watch is the combination of scientific proof and passion. Al Gore has numerous resources for you to examine on your television screen. These resources include graphs, scanned documents from global warming cover-ups, and much more. The passion in this movie comes from Al Gore himself. He has as way about sharing his knowledge and information in a way that will rock you to your core.

Speaking of being shocked, this documentary, which is basically a recording of PowerPoint presentations Gore has given across the county and around the world, has a huge shock factor. This is most commonly seen with before and after pictures. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the examples used. The computer generated images that show you the impact on coastal flooding, which will result from global warming, will either leave your mouth gaping open in shock or leave you in tears.

Even though Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth documentary comes highly rated and recommended, by celebrities, scientists, meteorologists, other political figures, and everyday individuals, you may be unsure if it is worth the buy. As a reminder, this documentary and others can usually be found for rent in one of your local video stores.

Despite being able to rent An Inconvenient Truth, as opposed to buying it, you may still be unsure if it is worth the watch. If your movie tastes typically involve comedies, action, and drama, you may assume that a documentary on global warming is not the perfect match for you. If that is the case, you will want to watch the previews or the trailer for this riveting documentary. There, you will find the tagline “If you love your planet. If you love your children. You have to see this film.” If that doesn’t send a tingle down your spine, what will?

Have you heard of global warming before? If you regularly watch television, surf the internet, or listen to the radio, there is a good chance that you have. In recent years, global warming is an issue that has seen an increase in press. Although there is a lot of debate that surrounds global warming, you may still be concerned. After all, if the predictions are right, the earth may not be a safe place for your future family members.

If the thought of global warming and the affects it can have on the planet in the future scare you, you will want to do you part. Unfortunately, many individuals do not realize how easy, as well as how affordable it is to join in on the fight against global warming. Unfortunately, much focus is placed on energy efficient vehicles and appliances. If you do not have the financial means needed to make these purchases, it is okay, as there are more affordable ways that you can help.

One of the biggest chances that you have to help prevent global warming or lessen its impact is in your home. In your home, you will want to look at your electricity uses. Are there appliances, like your computer, that are turned on when you aren’t using them? How about the lights in your home? Are your lights turned on even when nobody is in the room? If you answered yes, these are things that you will want to change. Limiting your electricity use is a great way to not only help prevent global warming, but it can also save you money too!

As previously stated, you will want to lessen the amount of electricity used in your home. One of the easiest ways to do so is to ensure that all lights and appliances are turned off when they are not in use. What is nice about this approach is that it is completely free and, as previously stated, you can save yourself money! Another step involves examining your heat. Instead of having your thermostat cranked up high, you may want to put on a sweater and turn the heat down. Even a few degrees can help reduce the toxic emissions that come from your home.

In keeping with electricity, you will want to take a close look at energy efficient light bulbs. Unfortunately, many individuals do not realize the many benefits to using these light bulbs, as opposed to traditional ones. For starters, you can save yourself a little bit of money each year by switching all or at least most of the lights in your home to energy efficient light bulbs. Also, these light bulbs work much longer than traditional ones. Depending on your use, an energy efficient light bulb can last as long as one or two years. By price comparing, you can easily find multi-packs of these energy efficient lights for around five dollars. Talk about affordability!

Even if you are a renter, as opposed to a homeowner, there are still ways that you can work to combat global warming. You may want to speak with your landlord about making any window repairs, especially if you feel cold air entering into your home when it shouldn’t be. Ask your landlord about the hot water heater, do they use a hot water heater blanket? Hot water heater blankets are affordably priced and they can help to save the environment and your landlord may also be able to save a little bit of money as well, as they can lower the temperature of their water heater.

As previously stated, you may not have the financial means needed to purchase a new hybrid or energy efficient car. Even so, you will still want to take a close look at your methods of transportation. When you drive, do you really need to? If you are able to walk, carpool or take public transportation, you are encouraged to do so. Even if you leave your car home, just a couple of times a week, you are still doing your part, even though small, to help stop the horrific impacts that global warming may have on our planet.

Even though there has been great interest in cars that are powered by electricity, as opposed to depending on burning gas, there are still not many choices that could be called a truly all electric car.

Most of the electric cars that can be seen driving around the neighborhood streets are those that are called hybrid electric cars. These cars utilize two different modes of power: gas motor power and electric motor power, which work in tandem to conserve the amount of gasoline consumed to propel the vehicle.

There are some very hopeful developments and progressions being made. Progress that will please those who are looking forward to being able to boast of an all electric car that they can proudly use for most of their transportation needs.

There is good news within the auto industry and word is quickly seeping out to the public. There are some promising all electric car models that have been on the drawing board for some time and have progressed to the point that the manufacturers are expecting to have them on showroom floors and out on the streets within the next 12 to 18 months.

Of course, many people caution against becoming overly optimistic over these reports. Auto manufacturers behind these innovative electric cars have somewhat of a reputation for underestimating the timelines to work out all of the kinks and get the vehicles fully into production.

The first of the all electric car models expected to be on the market is the Zap Zebra. It is said that the Zap electric car is really more of a golf cart that has been pumped up to make it street-legal for roads with a speed limit of 45 MPH or less. This electric vehicle is expected to retail for under $10,000 and will boast a top speed of 40 MPH. However, it will have a rather limited range of 40 miles before needing a boost.

Another interesting option in the all electric car category is the Tesla Roadster that runs off of lithium ion batteries that are commonly found in laptop computers. The Tesla Company claims that it’s electric roadster will have a range of over 250 miles and that it can accelerate from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds, which makes it competitive with gasoline powered cars. It is interesting that speed and acceleration are featured in this small electric car, an area that has not been well addressed by other manufacturers of electric cars. The fact is, electric motors have the capability of powering a vehicle with sports car attributes, because the torque curve and the RMP range of the electric motor power is actually much better than that of combustion engines. There are two questions from industry experts. How will the Tesla manage the heat thrown off by their battery array? And two, what is the expected life-span of the batteries?

The biggest challenge to developing viable all electric car options boils down to the same issue: current available battery technology. Industry experts say that if lithium ion batteries can evolve so that they are less expensive, are longer lasting and are safe, then that will go a long way to bringing the electric car revolution to a juncture that will create real changes in the auto industry.

Is global warming really that big of an environmental issue? Is there anything that we can do about it? The global warming debate is one that both scientists and naturalists are passionate about, but where does this leave the average person? Here are some facts you should know about the extreme temperature changes, as well as what you can do in your town or community to stop its damaging effects.

Many scientists believe that global warming is simply another one of the earth’s ’surprises’. According to many professionals who study the natural patterns of the earth, global warming is a phenomenon that can not be explained or remedied. Just as the depletion of the ozone layer came as a surprise to many scientists, the extreme temperature changes that are taking place all over the planet may be a natural result of the earth’s aging process, according to some. And if this is the case, are there things that humans can do now in order to make sure that global warming doesn’t get any worse?

Environmentalists say ‘yes.’ There are lots of things that we can do in order to reduce global warming significantly, even though some damage has already been done. Many of the naturalists and those who are passionate about the environment contribute to the global warming debate by saying that the ozone layer depletion is due to the irresponsible use of chemicals by humans. Harsh chemicals used by factories and manufacturing plants, as well as some of the harmful gases that are available in paints and some cosmetic items have contributed to global warming significantly, and some believe this may be the principle cause of the earth’s temperature increase.

Individuals on both sides of the global warming debate know that if this environmental issue is not fixed, the earth’s inhabitants could face even more living difficulty in the years to come. In order to do your part to prevent further damage to the ozone layer and to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, you can save energy by cutting down on gasoline usage and using fluorescent bulbs in your home. You can also make sure that you are consuming more raw foods on a daily basis, since meat and dairy production require factories to use energy in order to manufacture these products. Everyone in your community can do something to help with global warming as well. Recycling is a great neighborhood activity for families, and the energy used to process wastes in your city can be greatly reduced if you are able to use certain items more than once.

If you want to weigh in on the global warming debate, or feel that your community is not doing enough to reduce global warming, you can always speak to your city officials or form a group in your town that is committed to living ‘green’. For more information on how you can get involved and provide your input on a global warming debate in your city or state, visit sites like www.pbs.org, or www.gogreen.org.

Global Warming Facts for Kids

Want to know how you can get your children involved in reducing the harsh effects of global warming? While the technicalities of global warming facts and the greenhouse effect may be difficult for kids to understand, these facts will help you to explain why living ‘green’ and adopting a few lifestyle changes is a great way to help the environment.

Global warming affects everyone. Making sure that your kids know that global warming is a problem that everyone on earth can help solve is one of the most important things you can do to help your children learn about how to make a difference in the environment. The extreme climate change that has taken place over the last century or so has caused the planet to experience extreme changes in produce production and livestock manufacturing, and the greenhouse effect has cut into the supply of natural gases that the earth has to offer. This means global warming has something to do with the food we eat and the air we breathe; making these facts more available to children with help to understand the effects of climate warming so that they are more willing to help.

Give your children defined roles. Show your children that even though their kids, they can still do things like recycle or plant small gardens to conserve the earth’s energy. Set up a recycling center in your kitchen or garage, with bins that are labeled ‘paper’ ‘plastic’ and ‘glass’. This way, each time your child throws trash away, he or she will be able to separate different pieces for recycling so that the items can be reused in a different capacity. Explain to your child that this helps to save energy and to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere. You can also teach your children how to plant certain items, so that you can eat them at home instead of getting them from the grocery store where they could have been contaminated with pesticides.

Lead by example. Grownups can do things that will give children the impression that global warming facts are important as well. You may want to look into purchasing a hybrid car, so that you can save on fuel and not run the risk of emitting smog from your vehicle. Or, you could switch to a more ‘nature-friendly’ gas and light company that will help you to conserve energy and save money in the process. Global warming is an environmental issue that we can somewhat remedy by taking conscious steps towards conserving energy and reducing additional thinning to the ozone layer. When your kids see that you are learning more global warming facts, and are serious about sharing what you learn with others, it may give them the courage and motivation to start a recycling group at school, or to get other neighborhood kids involved in helping to stop global warming.

If you want to know more global warming facts or are interested in started a community awareness group in your area, please visit http://www.climatecrisiscoalition.org/.

This blue-green planet we live on, called Earth, as far as scientist can tell, is the only planet that can sustain human life. The atmosphere has the perfect mix of air that we need to breathe and that plants and trees need for survival.

The earth is the perfect distance from the sun, allowing temperatures optimal for habitation of millions of specials of animals and plants, and it keeps the planet’s vast oceans at a temperature where the many species of fish survive.

In short, the planet Earth supports every species in the food chain, from the bottom to the top.

If the planet were to cool permanently, even a few degrees, there would be vast problems created. For instance, what if snow came earlier and stayed later in the Midwest; production of the grains grown there would decrease sharply, creating not only a grain shortage, but a meat shortage as well.

More importantly, what would happen if the earth were to heat up several degrees permanently? The ocean water temperature would no longer support plankton, which support fish, which support birds, and so on up the food chain.

The weather would greatly change; as the atmosphere heats, rivers and oceans evaporate. The levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere would
increase, making the quality of our air, the air that you and I breathe everyday, unsafe.

Every degree that our atmosphere changes is harmful to the life cycle of all humankind in some way. Think Globally!

The fear of global warming has led to some interesting alternative energy ideas for the future that would have less impact on the environment. Constant research takes place daily for sources of energy that utilize our natural resources, have little repercussion on our atmosphere, cost less and are naturally renewable.

There has been much research in the area of solar power, tapping geothermal heat inside the earth, harnessing the power of the tides as an energy sources and wind turbines, but scientists are going further into their imaginations to develop energy from sources never thought of before.

For instance; scientists are studying marine algae in the hopes that they could generate power from the methane given off by rotting algae; the methane could
then be harnessed to provide methane for burning to power industrial needs for energy. Corn is being tested as a fuel (ethanol) for cars, as well as home heating sources, and there are many other areas that you may not have thought about.

Early studies are looking at falling rain and how it might be used to generate power (same premise as harnessing wave power). I’m not a scientist, so I can’t even begin to explain how or why this might work.

The idea I like best is powering our own personal IPod, cell phone and home computer by walking power. A leg brace, equipped with an electricity generator, gets the power from your every step. Need it charged quickly? Go for a long run; need a little power to
power my laptop to get me through the meeting, go walk an hour!