Global warming is one of the most serious
challenges facing us today. To protect the health and economic well-being of
current and future generations, we must reduce our emissions of heat-trapping
gases by using the technology, know-how, and practical solutions already at our
disposal.
Tropical deforestation is the largest source of emissions for many developing
countries, but slowing deforestation can't solve the climate problem by itself.
As forest-rich developing countries step up to take responsibility for reducing
their emissions, all industrialized nations should not only support their
efforts but, most importantly, reduce their own emissions and lead efforts to
avert dangerous climate change.
For years we have heard so much about the causes of climate change, that we’ve
missed the fact that there are simple, practical solutions that can slow this
growing problem. Technologies exist today that can cut emissions of
heat-trapping gases and make a real difference in the health of our planet. And
these solutions will be good for our economy, reduce our dependence on foreign
oil, and enhance our energy security.
Global warming doesn’t just mean balmy February days in northern climes. It
also means increasingly hot days in the summer, and a host of negative impacts
that are already under way and are expected to intensify in the
coming decades.
-More heat waves will likely increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and
deaths.
-Cities and towns along the nation's major rivers will experience more severe
and frequent flooding.
-Some areas will likely experience more extensive and prolonged droughts.
-Some of our favorite coastal and low-lying vacation areas, such as parts of
the Florida Keys and Cape
Cod , will be much less appealing as sea levels rise, dunes erode,
and the areas become more vulnerable to coastal storms.
-Many families and businesses, who have made their living from fishing,
farming, and tourism could lose their livelihoods, and others who love hunting,
boating, skiing, birdwatching, and just relaxing near lakes, streams, and
wetlands will see some of their favorite places irretrievably changed.
The solutions to climate change are here and it's time we put them to use. If
we get started today we can tackle this problem and decrease the unpleasant
outcomes that await us if we do nothing. The steps we need to take are common
sense. And, more often than not, they will save consumers money. The cost of
inaction, however, is unacceptably high.
The scientific consensus is in. Our planet is warming, and we are helping make
it happen by adding more heat-trapping gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2),
to the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuel (oil, coal, and natural gas)
alone accounts for about 75 percent of annual CO2 emissions from human
activities. Deforestation—the cutting and burning of forests that trap and
store carbon—accounts for about another 20 percent.
Procrastination is not an option. Scientists agree that if we wait 10, 20, or
50 years, the problem will be much more difficult to address and the
consequences for us will be that much more serious.
We're treating our atmosphere like we once did our rivers. We used to dump
waste thoughtlessly into our waterways, believing that they were infinite in
their capacity to hold rubbish. But when entire fisheries were poisoned and
rivers began to catch fire, we realized what a horrible mistake that was.
Our atmosphere has limits too. CO2 remains in the atmosphere for about 100
years. The longer we keep polluting, the longer it will take to recover and the
more irreversible damage will be done.
Fuel-efficient vehicles. Renewable energy. Protecting threatened forests. These
common sense solutions won't only reduce global warming, many will save us
money and create new business opportunities.
Best of all, these solutions exist now. We just need to insist that business
and government take the necessary steps to make them available and affordable.
Then we have to let consumers know what to do and provide incentives to help
all of us make better choices.
The following five sensible steps are available today and can have an enormous
impact on the problem CO2 remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years.
0 Responses to "Global Warming"
Posting Komentar