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Tip # 1
The environment has been a topic of conversation for many years. There are disappearing flora and fauna, depleted stores of natural resources, rising teperatures across the globe (although in Philadelphia area we have had record snow fall?) and many fingers pointing as to whom or what is to blame. The caring and nurturing of our planet has been waxed or waned over the decades, but today more people than ever seem to want to get involved and make changes in their lifestyles. Well you have to start somewhere. But where do you start if you are looking to liver a greener life? The truth is there are plenty of places. All the news coverage is extensive these days. It is almost impossible to watch T.V. read a magazine or newspaper or hear the radio without hearing about climate change. The majority of scientists calborate that action needs to be taken to stop, and eventually reverse, the trend of global warning. Moderation and diversity is key across the board with all our resources.
Tip # 2
Is it the green house effect - What's really happening
Many things are causing global warming and are working together increasing the earth's temperature. Green house gases - methane, Carbon Dioxide,nitrous oxide and ground level ozone - all trap heat within the atmosphere, causing the effect similar to that of a green house. The changes in land usage also impact global climate change but not as much as greenhouse gases. Tree / forest clearing for land use increases warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and convert it to oxygen, cutting down without replacing them means more carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere. The end result is global warming at an increased scale and longer far reaching consequences. Thunder and rain storms will increase in intensity, biodiversity may be ill affected as ecosystems change, and polar icecaps melt, ocean water levels will rise. All increasing public health dangers.
Tip # 3
No one individual,town, county,state,country or continent is truly independent. Global agencies realize these facts and work together to consensus on protecting coral reefs and diverse ocean populations, managing forests to allow logging while maintaining growth, ensuring air quality not just for individual communities but globally, reducing the effects of fossil fuels, understanding the risks of chemicals on people and the environment. Moreover, individual efforts are essential to help improve all aspects of the environment. No one individual is independent of other living things, and no one ecosystems is independent of the others.
Tip # 4
The Call from U.N. for action!
In 1997 U.N. represenatives met in Kyoto Japan to talk about global air quality. The result was the Kyoto treaty, an international framework to manage greenhouse gases and improving air quality. The agreement binds nations to restrict their greenhouse gas emissions over time. Developed nations must submit to more strigent restrictions than developing nations. the ultimate goal is for developing nations to reduce fewer greenhouse gases by 2012 than it did inn 1990. the target emissions rates were negotiated on a country to country basis. developing nations are exempt from inclusion until 2012. More than 160 nations have ratified the treaty including approximately 35 developing nations. We in the U.S. and Australia have claimed this would hurt domestic economies and employement.
Green Tip # 5
European Union Pulls together
In compliance with the kyoto Treaty countries in the European Union limit the amount of carbon dioxide power plants and other large sources of emissions are allowed to produce within a certain time frame. If some overshoot the goal they can purchase credits from others that meet the emissions cap. The amount everyone is allowed to produced will gradually be reduced over time. Carbon Dioxide is the major cause of global warming and carbon trading is a way to offset emissions. The European Union is expeced to phase in more greenhouse gases and include more industries in the program.
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Tip # 6
Risk and Our Natural Resources
Removal of natural resources damages an areas ability to sustain a population. Population could be anything in that environment i.e. trees, animals sea grass and people. Sometimes damage occurs due to beneficial activities performed irresponsibly. An example would be discharging waste water into an estuary can alter the salinity, affecting the life cycle of sea grass and fish hatcheries. Fish are source of income for some communities , so not only will the discharge of improper treated waste hurt the fish but also the local econmy as well.
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Tip # 7
Your Impact
In the U.S. most states are looking to Renewable energy sources such as wind, water and solar energy for their electricity. Most states have set standards for how much of their energy can be generated by renewable resources. Use different measures people offset their carbon production. You can calculate your impact on global warming based on the amount of carbon dioxide you produce. Calculating the size of your house, the miles you drive and type of car you drive , air miles flown and the amount of garbage generated. More at www.conservationfund.org which will help with more precise calculations. |
Tip # 8
Choosing Sustainability
Sustainability is a balancing act with environment and people. Land, water and air get impacted by the drive and actions of human beings, everything we do impacts the enviroment we live in. It can be controlled so not to damage our sorroundings and still live in a comfortable life.The art of sustainability is the ability to support communities without putting the environment in danger tomorrow. This means it is not just up to our Governments and corporations but us as indivduals into our everyday lives to make a lasting impact. We need to make decisions with a new mindset of values to make the impact needed. There needs to be an understanding that what we do everyday can make and preserve the enviroment for future generations while still providing for ourselves today. It's really our choice, make the decision and a difference.
Tip # 9
Change and Conserve
Some resources have been impacted beyond repair. Species cannot be brought back and populations can no longer survive on the land. I.E. damage from deforestation takes hold on biodiversity, causing soil erosion, and limits the farming of an area. Everywhere people are noticing and have a better understanding that one syaytem can not operate at the lose of another. Conservation of our resources is now a priority for business and governments alike. This causes sustainability as a way of balancing between helping the environment and preventing corporate or governmental hardships. Win -win.
Green Tip # 10
Fossil fuels are Changing our World
The energy used to power our homes, cars, and corporations is produced by burning fossil fuels.This process releases pollution and aids global warning. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide react with h2o in the air to form nitric and sulfuric acids. These in turn form acid rain and fall to the earth. this then affects the trees, soil, and waterways . Mercury that escapes in smoke stacks winds up in the rivers , ponds, lakes, estuaries and bays ( very dangerous if consumed). Urban ozone or smog is a product of coal burning power plants and harmful to people , especially children, older adults and can cause all sorts of problems, including wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. This is reason enough why we search for countless alternatives when it comes to providing electricity.
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