Global Warming, A Real Threat!

We?ve watched it on Discovery Channel and on National Geographic. We?ve read about it in the papers and have heard it on the news. But do we really know what it is? Do we really understand the impact global warming has on our daily lives? Do we really comprehend the simple things we can do to help ease this pressure? Let?s take an in-depth look at global warming.

Let?s answer question number one, what is global warming? This is the toughest environmental problem scientists and conservationists are presented with. It?s incomprehensible to many of us, because it?s invisible to the naked eye, but in truth, it?s threatening human health, wildlife populations and economies at a global scale.

Global warming is carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping pollution (from burning gasoline, coal and other fossil fuels) that create a blanket in the atmosphere. The result of which, is increasing global temperatures. NASA released a statement that last year was the second warmest year on record, the first being 1998, and closely followed by 2001.

During the past 50 years, climate change has been the most rapid in all of history. This trend isn?t slowing down, on the contrary it?s rapidly accelerating.

Now to answer the second question, do we understand the impact of global warming on our daily lives? As time passes, global warming poses a greater health to the world. This means, more air pollution, reduced water supplies due to precipitation changes, and major threats to ecosystems. Polar caps are melting away, threatening artic species. Water levels and temperatures are changing, coral bleaching due to increased ocean temperatures are occurring worldwide, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There will be longer, hotter heat waves. Storm systems will become more intense. Agriculture will face troublesome new pests. Cities will have an increase in mosquito-borne diseases. These aren?t just effects of the future, these are already happening today, the evidence is clear that this has become a chief environmental threat.

To answer the last question, the simple things we can do to ease this pressure? Because the biggest cause of this threat is carbon dioxide due to fossil fuels, the solutions are quite simple. For one, you can carpool. Offer to pick someone up when you go to work or play. As much as possible take on car instead of three different cars if you?re coming from similar areas with the same destination. Try to compile your errand into one trip. Instead of taking your car five times in a week, put all your routine errands together, you?ll save on gasoline and you?ll make your planning more efficient.

I know the transportation system here in the Philippines isn?t that effective, but try it out anyway. Take the MRT, its efficient. If you?re in the Central Makati Business District, walk, it is enjoyable, believe me! If you want to go to the village store or park, try taking a bike, a scooter or even just walking with your dog. Changing your habits a little at a time will lead to a better tomorrow!

Another simple solution is to get your car regularly tuned up. Make sure that your tires are fully inflated, this helps minimize your fuel intake.

Use energy efficient appliances. If you notice, refrigerators, microwaves, televisions and stoves these days have ozone friendly and energy friendly labels on them. They may cost more initially, but the long-term results will reduce your electricity costs. While we?re in that department, switch to fluorescent bulbs. They not only last longer, they consume less energy and keep carbon dioxide out of the air.

Don?t burn your garbage in your backyard. Sell your garbage to recycling plants, there are more popping up around the country. They buy paper, plastic, glass and aluminum. Learn to recycle.

One more daily occurrence most of us overlook is eating in fast-food restaurants. Organize a petition to fast-food establishments to stop using Styrofoam packaging; this is a big contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, and a non-biodegradable pollution hazard as well. This is also common in groceries, so send them one too!

Finally, another daily habit most people overlook. Each cigarette you light contains hundreds of harmful chemicals, not only to humans, but to animals and the ozone as well. Quitting smoking now not only helps reduce the impact of global warming, but also preserves your own health. I managed to kick this nasty habit, so should you!

These are simple things you can do to save the world. If you think one person alone will not make a difference, think again. You can?t finish a jigsaw puzzle if there?s one piece missing.

View this article also on www.trip.ph

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