Why Global Warming & Climate Change Can and Should Impact Your Life

Global warming is defined as the warming of the earth’s temperature.  This rise in temperature is attributed to greenhouse gases.  Unfortunately, global warming involves a lot more than just a slight rise in the earth’s temperature.  For that reason, global warming is an issue that should cause you concern.

Scientific studies on climate helped establish a consensus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As previously stated, global warming involves a lot more than a slight rise in temperature.  Although the effects of global warming are widely debated, as many of these changes can also be attributed to other causes, our planet is changing.  In many aspects, it is changing relatively quickly. (This is partly why the term "climate change" has in many cases replaced "global warming", as it more accurately describes what is going on.)

When it comes to global warming, many individuals wonder why they should be concerned.  If you are one of those individuals, you will want to take a close look at the changes in which we are already seeing.  Many of these changes have been attributed to global warming.  For starters, we will focus on the temperatures.

In recent years, we have noticed a steady rise in temperatures.  From 2006 through 2012 in the United States, many cities and towns (and even whole states) have seen record breaking temperatures.  Many are also seeing a later arrival of winter weather.  For example, some areas are seeing snowfall later than normal.  These same areas are also experiencing fall and even summer like temperatures, when it should be freezing outside.

In keeping with the temperature changes, there is some confusion.  Although many areas of the United States have experienced record breaking temperature increases, others have not.  This is what leads to the confusion.  Since global warming focuses on the rise of temperature, many wonder why that isn’t always the case.  And here's why. Part of global warming involves instability in the atmosphere.  This instability can not only lead to higher temperatures in certain areas, but it can lead to erratic weather in other areas.

Graph summarizing some of the expected impacts of Global Warming according to IPCC. Temperature deviations from 1990 readings. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although a rise in temperature is enough to make many people believe in global warming, many others wonder what else they can expect.  Most of us will not see the drastic and horrific affects that global warming can have on the earth.  This, however, does not mean that global warming isn’t important or that it is an issue that should be pushed aside.  Even though you may not experience the full impact of global warming, your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren may.  So, the approach that you take to global warming should be a proactive one.

When it comes to being proactive, in terms of global warming, there is a lot that you can do.  Many experts believe that the sooner we stand united and take action, the sooner we can end the threat of global warming or at least reduce the impact of it.  Your goal, especially as a parent, should involve reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that you, yourself, put into the air.  The best way to do this is to take a look at your home and your vehicle.  Can you purchase energy saving items, such as a car, household appliances, or even light bulbs?  These are just a few of the many steps that you can and should take.

As outlined above, global warming is starting to really show its effects now.  Even those who debate global warming cannot avoid the changes that are occurring.  These changes, whether or not they are directly related to global warming, can have an impact on the earth for years to come.

Video - Ecological Issues Explained (For Kids)

Here is a short video detailing some of the issues facing our planet today, but explained in a clear way to help kids understand their own impact and what they can do to help. Share this with them, or just watch it yourself for a quick reminder of some discussion points you can talk about with your kids.

Eco Kids - The Earth Needs Your Help
The Earth Needs YOUR Help, the first part of the Eco Kids series, discusses some the biggest problems facing the environment today and how it is being abused. Well learn the role of the greenhouse effect, carbon emissions, air pollution and how the b...

Help Reduce Global Warming with Your Transportation Choices

Transportation is important to the lives of many individuals, not just Americans.  Many commuters rely on the road to get them to and from work, to travel on vacation, to run weekly errands, as well as to make it to important appointments.  Unfortunately, we are starting to learn just how much of an impact our reliance on transportation costs.  This is most evident in global warming and the ensuing climate change. 

Image via WikipediaWhen it comes to global warming, you will find that it is defined as the rise in the earth’s temperature, due to the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases.  First of all, although the sheer number of the vehicles on the road does have a negative impact on global warming and the environment, it is not the sole cause.  With that in mind, transportation is an issue that should be discussed.  It has been said that each car that is taken off the road can reduce carbon emissions by as much as seven to eight hundred pounds!

Although there is proof that our vehicles have a negative impact on the planet, most of us keep on driving, as if there were nothing wrong.  Why is this so?  It is largely due in part to a popular misconception.  Unfortunately, many drivers believe that they have to completely give up their vehicles or buy a new, more energy efficient (and possibly expensive) one.  Of course, these methods are some good ways to go about reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that enters into the earth’s atmosphere, but it is important to remember that these two options are not the only ones. 

As previously stated, you do not have to completely give up your vehicle to help in the fight against global warming.  What you will want to do, however, is limit your uses.  Are you able to carpool or use public transportation?  Is your workplace within walking distance?  If it is, you may want to leave your vehicle in your driveway more often.  With that in mind, remember that you do not have to completely give up your vehicle.  For instance, you may need to drive yourself to and from the supermarket.  If so, try and invite a friend along or carpool with another family member.  Also, limit your shopping trips and get as much as you can all in one trip.  These are all fairly simple steps that can help.

Image by richardmasoner via FlickrIn keeping with using your vehicle, it advised that you get your vehicle checked often.  Does your car’s air filter need to be changed?  Are your tires properly inflated?  Did you know that these two simple things can save you money, while helping to stop the affects of global warming?  They can.  In fact, many experts suggest that you change your car’s air filter once a month.  As for your car tires, keeping your tires properly inflated at all times can help to get you better gas mileage, as well as lessen the amount of pollutants that come from your vehicle.

As previously stated, one of the best ways to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from your vehicle is to upgrade.  If you are driving an older model, you may want to consider upgrading.  There are a number of affordable energy efficient vehicles and hybrids available for you to choose from.  Even if you are unsure as to whether or not a new car is in your budget, you may still want to take a look at what is available.  Many consumers are actually surprised with the affordability of many hybrids and other energy efficient vehicles (and remember you will also save on fuel costs over time).

As a reminder, you are urged to do your part to help limit the amount of carbon dioxide that enters the earth’s atmosphere from your own vehicles.  But remember that you can do your part without going completely "green" (which is a term used to commonly define global warming activists), if that idea doesn't appeal to you right now. It is okay to start small. Every step that you take to help in the fight against global warming, no matter how large or small, is likely to help.

The Fight Against Global Warming Starts in Your Home

Are you concerned with the potential effects of global warming?  If you are, you are definitely not alone.  As more political figures, scientists, and celebrities voice their concerns about global warming, more Americans are beginning to take notice.  

Image via WikipediaAlthough global warming is an issue that is widely debated, it is an issue that still causes concern.  For example, the predictions state that the weather will become more erratic in the future (hence the recent shift in terminology away from "global warming" and towards "climate change," which is a more relatable way to describe the effects of global warming - which may not seem all that "warm" to some of us).  We may experience horrific coastal flooding and drought will become (and is already becoming in some areas) a big concern.  In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and this storm is not one that we will ever forget.  In the summer and fall of 2007, southern states, such as Georgia and Tennessee experienced life changing drought conditions, which resulted in the strict enforcement of water bans and water restrictions.

Even if you do not be sure whether you believe in the concept of global warming, you may still be concerned with the changes that you are seeing. The good news is that there are a large number of ways that you can help.  If you are interested in doing your part to help stop or lessen the impact of global warming or even just improve the environment, you will first want to start in your own home.

Since carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are a big cause of global warming or at least the rise in the earth’s temperature in general, we need to limit these emissions from our home.  One of the biggest ways to do so is to turn down your heat.  Even a few degrees can make a huge difference with the toxins that are emitted from our homes.  Simply put on a sweatshirt or invest in a thermostat with a programmable timer.  A programmable timer will enable your homes temperature to be lower when you are not there, but you can set it to turn your heat on right before you arrive home from work.

Image via WikipediaIt may also be a good idea to have your home updated or at least inspected by a professional.  Many individuals have no idea how much heat escapes from their home.  This is most often caused by poor insulation or leaky window seals.  If it seems that your house cannot get warm enough, no matter how high the heat is, you likely have a problem that needs to be addressed.  Although it will cost you money to reinsulate your home or to repair your windows, these repairs should pay for themselves over time, due to a reduction in heating costs.

It is also important to examine your electricity use.  The less electricity you use, the better it will be for the environment.  In fact, did you know that by reducing your electricity use, you can not only help to save the environment and combat global warming, but you can also save yourself a considerable amount of money each year?  You can.  Ways that you can reduce electricity in your home include switching all or most of the light bulbs in your home to energy efficient ones, and using energy efficient appliances, as well as making sure that all lights and appliances are turned off when they are not in use. Many appliances also use some energy even when turned off (these are often called "vampires"). To combat this, plug appliances into a power strip, and simply switch the strip off every time you turn off your appliances.

Other additional ways that you can help to stop the affects of global warming and help the environment in general involves limiting your dishwasher use and putting a hot water heater blanket on your heater.  Hot water heater blankets are affordably priced and they are designed to keep your heater insulated.  When properly used, hot water heater blankets can enable you to lower the temperature.  This can also save you time running the water (another savings), as well as reduce the emissions from your home.  As for your dishwasher, only run it when you have a full load and hand wash any dishes that you may need right away.  This simple step can also help to save you money, especially over time.

The above mentioned easy steps are just a few of the many simple ways that you can take to join the fight against global warming.  While it is important to remember that our homes are not the only cause of carbon dioxide emissions, we must all start somewhere.  What better place then inside our homes?