A message on Global Warming – A Global Warning

Global Warming refers to the increase of Earth’s average temperature in the areas of near-surface air and oceans in the recent times. It is caused by atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Where do these atmospheric greenhouse gases come from? The main cause is excessive burning of fossil fuels like petroleum and coal.

Increase in global temperatures could cause other changes like:

1. Rise in sea levels

2. Increased intensity of extreme weather behaviour like severe storms and cyclones, scorching hot summers and

3. Changes in the pattern and amount of rainfall.

Other effects of Global Warming includes a drop in agricultural yield, melting of glaciers, extinction of species and increase of mosquito related disease like dengue and malaria.

The concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane has far exceeded the usual range. These gases that result from industries, automobiles and other fuel consuming machines, cause a giant greenhouse effected by forming this shield around the earth, trapping the infrared radiation from the sun. In correct measure, these radiation keep the earth moderately warm for the creatures and humans. But any thickening of this atmosphere can have dangerous implications such as soaring temperatures and terrible climate changes.

While there has been an average increased of 0.74 degree centigrade on the earth’s surface, in recent times, which is not so bad, what is really bothersome is the fact that in the past 150 years, the 11 warmest years were from 1995 onwards.

Most of us are aware about the Global Warming phenomena but we don’t seem to be concerned enough to apply ways to fight it. Most of us feel that we are just a little drop in the ocean and our little efforts to fight Global Warming will be insignificant if not futile. It is true that only a large collective and systematic effort alone can make a tangible difference. It is therefore left to more responsible, concerned and qualified individuals to team up with government agencies to combat the vices of Global Warming –systematically, rationally for the future of earth.

If you wish to combat global warming you need to make small efforts to bring down carbon dioxide emissions and find ways to save energy.

Here are some tips to get you started:

1. CHANGE YOUR HOME BULBS – Replace the traditional incandescent ones with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL). These consume substantially less (a quarter or less) of the electricity and last much more.

2. GO SOLAR – Choose solar devices to heat water for bathing and drive away the shivering chill away.

3. COMPUTERS YES – BUT SWITCH THEM OFF WHEN NOT IN USE. Even in standby mode they consume as much as electricity as three 60 watt bulbs when lighted.

4. Fossil Fuel NO – BIO-FUEL YES – New possibilities are emerging as bio-diesel and ethanol are being used to run cars. Choose a vehicle that runs on non-polluting fuel.

5. CONSERVE WATER by using drip-irrigation devices and sprinklers to water your lawns and growing crops.

6. BUY ONLY ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES. Next time you go shopping for appliances, make sure you choose one with energy saving features. Look for a sticker with stars/ Remember : more stars, the better, you’ll enjoy smaller electricity bills.

7. WITH WASHING MACHINE, ALWAYS WASH FULL LOADS.  Half loads will consume less detergent but same amount of power. Now, machines have half load options, in that cast, do as required.

8. SWITCH OFF FANS, ACs & LIGHTS WHEN OUT OF THE OFFICE. This will make an amazing difference to your office electricity bills.

9. IF YOU CAN WALK DON’T DRIVE. If you need to buy some milk or a packet of biscuit just two streets down, walk. If you have the urge to drive combine a lot of chores.

10. RECYCLE, REUSE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. This simple process can fetch amazing results by saving a lot of materials and energy.

For better results, leak out these little secrets to as many of your friends, neighbours & associates as possible.