Prevent Global Warming

The primary thing everyone can do to reduce their impact on global warming is to become informed. Each person has what is known as a carbon footprint. The size of the carbon footprint corresponds to the amount of carbon dioxide a person emits annually. It is a good idea for every global citizen, particularly those in developed countries, to calculate the size of his or her carbon footprint. Figuring out the size of one’s carbon footprint can heighten awareness and give insight into where cuts can be made on an individual basis. Several websites including www.carbonfootprint.com have calculators that can do this.

Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor toglobal warming. It is the largest contributor toglobal warming that humankind has power to control. The main source of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere is combustion offossil fuels such asoil andcoal. Automobile traffic is responsible for a large proportion of these emissions. Driving less is a way to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Purchasing vehicles that get the maximum amount of mileage per gallon of gas is important.Hybrid vehicles which can get up to 50 miles per gallon are becoming more common and less costly. Forming carpools and taking public transportation are viable options for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. Reducing air travel is another good way to reduce one’s carbon footprint.

Aside from addressing transportation habits, the primary thing humans can do to reduce global warming is to reduce consumption. Eating more vegetables than meat can help global warming. Concentrated animal feeding operations, which are in place to supply meat such as pork and beef to humans, are responsible for a large proportion of the greenhouse gas methane. It also takes more energy to produce a pound of meat than it does a pound of corn. In fact, it takes ten times as much energy to produce meat as it does the equivalent in vegetables. Eating less food in general is also a good way to reduce one’s carbon footprint.

Reduce energy consumption. Turning off lights, insulating homes, purchasing energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, and turning down the heat are all ways to reduce energy consumption. Because much of the energy comes from coal burning power plants, using more energy in the home burns more coal and releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Unplugging things when they are not in use is a good way to save energy. Energy ‘vampires’ are those items that draw energy even when not in use. Televisions, cell phone chargers, and coffee makers are all energy vampires. It is estimated that the average household can save $25 annually in energy costs simply by unplugging such items, and will eliminate tons of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere in the meantime.

Try to find alternative forms of energy that burn cleaner than coal. Solar power can be costly to install in the home, but can pay for itself within a few years, with the added bonus of being a clean energy source. Nuclear energy, wind energy and hydroelectric power are all cleaner energy options. Planting trees is a good way to reduce, or offset, a person’s carbon footprint. Trees not only remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, they create a more oxygen-rich environment. Buying things locally also reduces carbon emissions. Purchasing foods from a farmer’s market rather than a supermarket will not use the fuel that is required when foods are shipped in from all over the world.

It is difficult to imagine that the efforts of a single person can impact the huge phenomenon that is global warming. However, when combined with the efforts of friends and neighbors, individual efforts become significant.

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