Warming Up
Over the past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. Experts think the trend is accelerating: the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1990. Scientists say that unless we curb global warming emissions, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century.
The Cause: CO2
Though Americans make up just 4 percent of the world's population, we produce 25 percent of the carbon dioxide pollution from fossil-fuel burning -- by far the largest share of any country. In fact, the United States emits more carbon dioxide than China, India and Japan, combined.
Heatwaves
In the United States heat waves lasting four days or more have nearly TRIPLED in the last 50 years. In 2003 a heat wave killed 6,000 in Germany 14,000 in France and 19,000 in Italy. Heat wave deaths are predicted to DOUBLE by 2020 if global warming is not curbed.
Water Supply
In the western states 75% of the water supply comes from snowpack. States that rely on snowpack for water provide more than 75% of fresh fruit in the United States. Since 1950 spring snowpack has declined as much as 60%.
Extinction
One quarter of all plant and animal species could face extinction by the end of this century due to global warming.
Break Out the Claritin :-)
Since 1990, the amount of pollen produced by ragweed has DOUBLED. It is predicted to DOUBLE again by the end of this century if CO2 continues to rise at current rates.
Ocean Level
If all of the Glaciers in Alaska melt sea level would go up less than one foot. If you melt Greenland sea level will go up more than 20 feet. If you were to melt all of Antarctica the sea level would rise more than 280 feet. Over half of all U.S. residents live within 50 miles of the ocean. During the 21st century sea level is expected to rise 10-30 inches. Many areas on the US East and West Coasts will be inundated. Think this is BS? Check this out from today's CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/12/29/canada.arctic.ap/index.html.
Extreme Weather
Since 1970, the average number of Cat 4 and 5 hurricanes per year has nearly doubled.
CO2 Reducing Alternatives
Every gallon of corn ethanol that replaces a gallon of gasoline reduces greenhouse gas emissions about 15%. Ethanol made from grasses and waste materials reduces greenhouse gas emissions about 90% per gallon compared to gasoline. Every gallon of biodiesel that replaces a gallon of diesel reduces greehouse gas emissions about 78%.
Ending Junkmail
Each year in the US about 57 millon trees are used to make catalogs. Trees, of course, eat CO2 for breakfast and feed us O2 :-).
www.41pounds.org.
Lightbulb
Each time you choose a compact fluorescent light bulb over an incandescent bulb, for example, you'll lower your energy bill and keep nearly 700 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air over the bulb's lifetime.
Reach for the Stars
By opting for a refrigerator with the Energy Star label -- indicating it uses at least 15 percent less energy than the federal requirement -- over a less energy-efficient model, you can reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly a ton in total.
Source: NRDC, HBO Documentary Too Hot Not to Handle
