The world has talked about global warming for years, but now it is worse than ever. The climate change has worsened and accelerated beyond some of the grimmest of warnings made back in 1997. Both Greenland and Antarctice have lost trillions of tons of ice. In addition, glaciers in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa are shrinking at an alarming rate. Consequentially, the world's oceans have risen by about an inch and a half. Originally, the polar bear was the symbol of global warming, but now fragile butterflies, colorful frogs and entire strands of North American pine forests are in danger or being extinct. Apparently, the effects of greenhouse gases are more powerful and are happening sooner than predicted. The increase in temperates around the world are affecting the entire world and ecosystem. More than 37 million acres of Canadian and U.S. pine forests ahve been damaged by beetles that don't die in warmer winters. The United States, China, and India are the three largest greenhouse gas emitters. We need to work to reduce this before it is too late. If a drastic change isn't made soon, at this rate, millions of species will be gone along with glaciers and the fresh water supply. What can you do personally to help reduce your carbon footprint? and your thoughts of global warming?
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11 comments:
Everything you said is absolutely true, and something must be done. Unfortunately, world leaders decided just a week or so ago to hold off on creating international climate change solutions at the Copenhagen Conference in December--Instead, they will postpone any major international agreements until a conference in Mexico City next year.
In the meantime, we can all contribute to help reduce our impact on the environment. I have some good news to start us off: all the schools in the district are getting solar panels!!
-Julia B.
Haha reminds me of what the UN did to combat global warming
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ilGeiNv7dzsm-wzd8YkySrBpBMKwD9C1U8DO3
I wonder where you can get those freebies... I guess I'll help reduce our impact by having less kids!
I was just going to mention what Julia said (that all the schools are going to get solar panels).
I am sure that will prove to be a wise and effective choice
I agree with all that was said about the article as well, and it is nice that some people are started to get more eco-friendly. It would be nice if others realize that we are harming the planet, and they should always think twice before buying SUVs or littering on the street.
I agree. It seems that every little thing counts. And we should do as much as we can if we truly want to prevent global warming from worsening and harming this planet. And yes, schools installing solar panels is a brilliant idea!
In response to what Julia brought up, I'm super glad that the schools are finally taking a step into greener territory. The solar panels will hopefully only be the start of active global warming prevention put into motion.
Also, it's obvious that global warming has exponentially growing risks and it seems that the fate of how fast it progresses rests on the shoulders of researchers today, and the younger generations that have to live with the consequences. So we have to do whatever is possible to prevent this issue from escalating any further. >.<
-Annie Yang
It's good to hear that our schools are getting involved, but it's unfortunate that they are just starting. Everyone is going to have to contribute in order to do something drastic.
First off, I would like to say that getting solar panels for all the schools in our district will definitely be beneficial for conserving energy. However, I fear that the solar panels are going to take longer to install than we all think. I'm just thinking about what happened with the turf field... the administration said it was going to be finished at the start of the 2008-09 school year, but it was postponed multiple times and only recently has been completely finished. I have a feeling this might happen with the solar panel project.
Secondly, I agree with Talia's post that global warming is accelerating at unexpected rates and that is affected ecosystems and species around the world. What I do not agree with is how she wants to approach it. She claims we need a "drastic change." I do agree it is a huge problem that needs to be fixed, but no one can fix it with the snap of their fingers.
There is still hope for change. Although we can't make immediate change that will impact the world, we can definitely make small ones. Here are some tips on ways to reduce your green house gas emissions/carbon footprint:
Reduce your heating.
1) Avoid using plastic bags from grocery stores. Use reusable bags, boxes, or just carry your items. If you need a plastic one, make sure you use it again and again!
2)Take shorter showers and properly use tap water, especially when brushing your teeth.
3)Carpool or use public transportation. I know so many people who drive to school by themselves, maybe that's because they're not legally allowed to drive other people, but still, once they are they should carpool.
4)Weather-proof your home. Caulk and weather-strip your doorways and windows. Add insulation, especially to the roof, it drastically cuts heating and cooling expenses. Change your windows for double glazing. Add outside shades to use in summer. Not only will all this save energy, it will save you money too!
If you want to find out more ways on how to lower greenhouse gases/ your carbon footprint you can visit this website: http://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Your-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions
(Be aware that there are other websites that can better educate you about reducing greenhouse gas emission/ your carbon footprint and if I have mentioned anything that is inaccurate or something you do not agree with please say so)
-Brian Kawamoto
I'd like to add something to Wiser One's list. Although buying a new car costs a lot, using newer and more fuel efficient cars would help reduce green house gas emissions. Technology has greatly advanced over the past 10 years, and the cars of today are much cleaner than those from 10 years ago. And using Sedan's save much more gas than using SUVs. So those driving around big fat green minivans by yourselves, shame on you coughcough.
I would like to elaborate about ArianaR's comment. I agree with the car technology part and feel that by buying a new car such as a Prius or Volt can make a large impact in cutting down green house emissions. However, with our current economic recession, there are many people who choose to save or use their money for something that is more beneficial for themselves or their families. Although buying a new, more efficient car is nice, it is not at the top of many people's priority lists.
By the way I would also like to say to completely agree with Annie's comment. I feel that people's mentalities today are that if global warming does not affect them, then why should they bother trying to fix it? Because of this, younger generations will suffer the consequences.
In addition, I would also like to comment again about what ArianaR had to say. She said that "those drivng around big fat green minivans by yourselves, shame on you." However, I feel she failed to adequately read my previous comment. In it, I mentioned carpooling and using public transportation. I said that "I know so many people who drive to school by themselves, maybe that's because they're not legally allowed to drive other people, but still, once they are they should carpool." I feel that the majority of student drivers at Aragon, along with students at other high schools cannot legally drive friends around.
To continue my rant on reducing green house gas emissions, I feel that those who live over 50 miles away and are still willing drive over 100 miles round trip to go school are releasing large amounts of carbon. I feel that they should either relocate themselves to a more convenient location closer to school or attend a different school closer to them.
-Brian Kawamoto
Didn't Bush and his administration reject the Kyoto Treaty? I highly doubt that China and India are going to stop their innovating, since these rising superpowers want to achieve that status. Well, despite the influx of green technology like the Prius, there are other changes that oppose these changes like more births and more drivers. I just don't think that even with the many interest groups, global warming is going to stop anytime soon. Maybe people need a wake up call or more movies like "The Day After Tomorrow".
-Henry Zhang
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