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| Global Warming |
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Thursday, 07 February 2008
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.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
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 impacts 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?
Thursday, 07 February 2008
Global warming is discussed in two main types of books. Some would have you believe there is no problem at all. Others speak of evidence of global warming, dangerous consequences, and solutions to global warming. Reading a variety of books on global warming gives a balanced perspective.
Probably the most well known book on global warming is Al Gore's book An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It. Gore's book shows reasons why people wan to save he earth from hazards such as global warming. It also implores world leaders to stands up and listens to the warnings of an environment in crisis.
An opposing viewpoint is presented in a book titled Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1,500 Years. The book, written by Dennis T. Avery and S. Fred Singer, is an argument that global warming is a cyclical event that has happened gradually and systematically throughout history. Scientific data backs up the claims and demonstrates why no one should be concerned about global warming, in the authors' opinions.
However, there is scientific information that supports the claims of global warming dangers. A book called Global Warming: The Complete Briefing gives facts and theories about the foundations of global warming and climate change. In it, the future of the world and ways to help minimize global warming are outlined.
Children can learn about the subject by reading a book called This Is My Planet: The Kids' Guide to Global Warming. Jan Thornhill, the author or the book, gives the startling facts about the quickly occurring changes brought on by global warming, and how that is happening. Catering to the younger audience, though, she is careful to sprinkle the book with a lot of hope and ways for children to help change the situation.
The Down To Earth Guide To Global Warming, by Laurie David and Cambria Gordon, is another book that uses a bit of humor to discuss a serious subject. It not only has facts about the genesis of extreme global warming, but it is full of vivid pictures. As another book for elementary children, it gives ways for kids to fight global warming in every area of their lives.
A fun and interesting book on the subject of global warming is The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook: 77 Essential Skills to Stop Climate Change. David de Rothschild, the author, constructed the book to be a tongue-in-cheek look at a survival guide aimed at surviving global warming. At the same time, it offers important information about ways to improve the environment. It is a companion book to the Live Earth Concerts in July of 2007 that took place during a 24-hour period around the world.
It is easy to find books about global warming. Many are aimed at the children who are next to inheriting the earth. Some focus heavily on scientific data. Others rely on humor to tell their story. Some are even a simple call to arms to anyone who will help curb global warming. Global warming is a subject worth study and there are plenty of books to read about it.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
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 well?
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 well 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.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
Celebrities are putting their fame to use by calling attention to the subject of global warming. Famous people in the entertainment industry are using their knowledge of filmmaking to create documentaries about global warming. Others are simply using their influence to make a statement.
One project is designed to help people become more informed about and involved with global warming. The venture is called Global Cool, and its lofty goal is to get one billion people to lower the levels of carbon emissions they put into the environment. Celebrities involved with this global warming initiative include Orlando Bloom, Josh Hartnett, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Pink. Some bands have also joined the fight.
Leonardo DiCaprio is actually very involved with the movement to stop global warming. He has a website devoted to the topic. On it, you can take a look at two films DiCaprio has worked on, with others. One is called Water Planet and the other is simply Global Warming.
This actor also started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998. Its purpose was to steer people towards involvement in environmentally friendly organizations.
The foundation also addressed the central themes of global warming such as greenhouse gases and fossil fuels. Now, DiCaprio has worked on a documentary about global warming about earth's 11th hour, which details the problems and innovative solutions.
Other actors are getting involved in the stop global warming movement, too. Brad Pitt is the narrator of a series on green architecture. The shows discuss ways to build that will help the environment.
Another documentary features Keanu Reeves and Alannis Morrisett as narrators. Excessive global warming all about the changes in the climate causes the global warming film, entitled The Great Warming.
Earth Day has always been a magnet for celebrity attention. As time goes by and more is known about global warming, the list of celebrities speaking out on Earth Day becomes even more impressive. It seems that the earth has become more precious to those in the know and they use this day as a platform for change.
Al Gore, aside from his Vice Presidency and his Presidential aspirations, has earned a certain amount of celebrity himself. With the release of his movie, An Inconvenient Truth, Gore has entered the limelight in a new way. He appears to be trying to use his status and fame to influence people to aid in the fight against global warming.
Perhaps the most powerful environmental activist on the scene today is producer Laurie David. She is the wife of actor Larry David of Curb Your Enthusiasm. She has lobbied for governmental change to promote the cause. Then, she started organizing the Stop Global Warming Virtual March to rally support among the everyday people. She has so far encouraged hundreds of thousands of people to join her.
No one can ever know whether actors are trying to get attention or whether they are truly citizens concerned about global warming. There are probably some whose motives are not exactly pure. In the end, though, all celebrities who live by their environmental principles are a good influence.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
There is no doubt that the earth's climate is constantly changing. Some people feel that it is part of the normal cycle of events on this planet. Yet, most scientists agree that there are drastic changes occurring that are due to unnatural global warming.
The weather is getting decidedly warmer. For the most part, the United States has already warmed up some. In some places, the average rise in temperature is around four degrees Fahrenheit. However, all the states show some degree of warming.
The first and second warmest years on record were 1998 and 2006, respectively. In fact, every year from the first to the second warmest years, ranked within the warmest 25 years in the US. In 2006, the annual average temperature was 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent warm years point to a climate change being brought on by global warming.
Climate changes due to global warming can be seen in the prevalence of drought. Years are becoming drier in recent decades due to global warming. The heat that is building up around the earth's surface causes this. Excessive evaporation intensifies drought even more during the spring and fall.
Global warming has upped the level of drought. A major drought in the US lasted from 1999-2002. There were only two other droughts in the last forty years that were so widespread and devastating. Crops were damaged or would not grow at all, thus shortening the food supply.
There have been more and more frequent droughts in the West in recent years. The last 30 years in particular have seen numerous droughts. These droughts have spawned wildfires that set new records in 2006 for number of fires and of acres burned. Further proof of global warming is seen in these destructive wildfires.
While the overall effect of global warming is heat followed by drought, there are still storms. Since global warming energizes the atmosphere, these storms will be different. When all is going well, a gentle rain will soak into the earth gradually, causing no more than a minor inconvenience to people.
Because of global warming, storms are becoming more destructive. While there have certainly been droughts, rainfall totals have risen in the past century. This surprising fact is due to the fact that when the rain comes, it comes in rapid downpours. The sky opens up and dumps water on the earth very quickly in many cases. This is followed by dry periods.
The number of times it rains in a year has increased during the last 50 years due to global warming. What is more, global warming is causing storms to intensify. Storms, which would have been ordinary thunderstorms in the past, are morphing into raging tempests. Hurricanes have been rated higher in recent years as global warming affects their intensity.
Global warming is responsible for many climate changes. Often, people cause the increase in global warming that precipitates these changes. If people could make it a common goal to cut down on activities that promote global warming, the earth would be a much more stable environment.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
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 is 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.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
In the movie The Day After Tomorrow, there are many special effects including an ice event caused by global warming. Much of the science of the movie has been called into question. However, there may be some truth to the idea that global warming could cause an ice age.
The theory starts with an understanding of why Europe and Scandinavia are not colder already. After all, other places at the same latitude are covered with ice and permafrost. Alaska and Greenland are both as close to the North Pole as Europe. Yet, it is not global warming that keeps Europe warm.
The ocean currents called the Gulf Stream bring warm waters up to the UK and Europe from the Caribbean. These waters warm the countries around their path. This is what causes the UK, Europe, and Scandinavia to have such a nicer climate than, say, Alaska. Global warming has nothing to do with that.
An important factor about the Gulf Stream is that to keep the Great Conveyor Belt going, cool water must feed back into the loop and be brought back to the point in the Caribbean where the process began. This keeps the water moving.
Global warming is significant in that it could slow the Gulf Stream, or even stop it. If this were to happen, the cold waters would stay in the area of Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, and the Northeastern US. It could mean an ice age for those regions.
In every major cooling event, such as the last great Ice Age, the Gulf Stream has been significantly weakened. This can happen for different reasons. In current times, it can happen due to global warming brought on by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
If the new Ice Age happens, it will likely be due to the melting of the polar ice. This will dump large quantities of cold, fresh water into the ocean. It would disrupt the Gulf Stream and cause the cooling of many areas that now have milder climates. Global warming will be the cause.
An ice age will probably not happen gradually, either. This is a phenomenon that takes place rather quickly. Perhaps it does not happen as fast as the ice event in The Day After Tomorrow. However, it could happen within a few short years with global warming being to blame.
The return flow of cold water from Greenland, which goes back to the Caribbean, has already showed a weakening in the last 50 years. There has been a 20% decline in the amount of current flowing in this direction. It only makes sense that the warm waters coming from the Caribbean have lessened too.
These currents are a part of the worldwide network of currents called the Global Thermohaline Circulation. This global warming could then cause a slowing or stoppage of the Gulf Stream affecting the entire earth.
The statistics are used to answer the question of whether an ice age could be caused by global warming. Observations have been made of current data and historical information gleaned by studying the ocean and the lands around it. With all the information at hand, it appears that it is indeed possible that global warming could lead to an Ice Age.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
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 fewer 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.
Thursday, 07 February 2008
If people knew what kind of future global warming would actually bring, they would likely want to do more to help the environment. The problem is that predicting the future of global warming is a very complex task. Just as the local weatherman does not always get it right, neither can the predictor of global warming.
Some of the difficulties inherent in forecasting future global warming have to do with those same factors that every meteorologist faces. Winds can cool the air or warm it depending on the direction they take. Cloud cover can cool a hot day. Air masses move in to cause storms as cool fronts and warm fronts are generated.
Ocean currents can change the temperature of the land on which they strike. The earth's atmosphere is constantly in a cycle of evaporation and precipitation. The nature of this cycle will affect global warming. At the same time, all these variables will be affected by global warming in return.
It is hard to predict the future of global warming when little is known about the actions people will take to prevent it, or not. Underdeveloped countries will strive towards development. Generally in the past this has meant using the cheapest industrial equipment available, even if it is the most polluting. However, these countries may decide to put emphasis on preventing global warming instead.
It is not known at this time how fast the population of the world will grow. Statisticians can make educated guesses, but a number of factors can always change the dynamics of population growth. Biological factors, as well as governmental policies and economics can all play a part. The more people on earth, the greater the chance for global warming.
Fuel-efficient cars have already been developed, and the research continues to make them even better. There is a question, though, as to whether the people of the world will embrace these technologies. At least at first, cost might prevent poor people from having hybrid or other fuel-efficient cars. The extent to which this technology is made available to all people will affect the amount of global warming that can be expected.
As ice melts in the Polar Regions, the ocean temperatures are affected. This is due to global warming. However, it also can perpetuate global warming by changing the evaporation rates of the sea. The courses and speeds of the oceans currents cannot be predicted with accuracy, but they will have an affect on global warming.
The proliferation of dark areas can lead to global warming. The trouble with using this fact to predict global warming is that it is not known how many dark areas will be uncovered by melting ice. As long as there is enough ice to maintain a light color, a good deal of the heat will be reflected off into the atmosphere.
While it is nearly impossible to predict the future of global warming with complete accuracy, it is good to explore the subject. It is important to estimate the damage that will be caused by global warming in order to make the concept of global warming more concrete.
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