So the weather issue doesn’t seem go be going away. Some people continue to think it’s just a temporary thing or some science fiction story. The evidence and proof continues to show up, and it’s becoming really hard to pretend there’s nothing going on. I don’t think it’s necessary to continue convincing people about the climate situation but just in case, here some interesting things to see: 1 and 2
I think by now those who understand the gravity of the situation may be feeling a little scared, depressed, or just plain old freaked out. I’m sorry about this since it is not my intention to instill fear in you. Fear is just an unfortunate side effect of our current circumstances. I would like to encourage you to use that fear to motivate you to action. The logical question at this point is “what action?” or “what can be done about it?” I would like to take the opportunity in this post to educate a little and try not to sound too pretentious.
Global warming and climate change are the results of heat trapping gases like carbon dioxide or CO2. This CO2 resided in the Earth’s crust before we went into the Industrial Revolution and began to use coal for energy. When this happened, we started taking the CO2 from earth and soil and pumping it to the atmosphere by way of the coal burning powerplants. We have also begun pumping CO2 in the form of combustion engines using fossil fuels (another source of carbon that resided in the earth before the Industrial Revolution).
Here is where it gets complicated… Typically, when people feel compelled to do something about climate change, the most natural reaction is to start using our cars less. Unfortunately, we could all get rid of our fuel burning vehicles and start riding bicycles and it would have very little impact on the global warming situation. This is a sad truth. That, of course, is no excuse to rush out and buy that Hummer you’ve always wanted. Every little bit helps. The problem is that only about 6% of CO2 emissions are caused by fuel engine vehicles. The majority is caused by coal burning powerplants.
Personally, I think the most effective solution is a two-prong approach: One is on the demand side, and the other is on the supply. Your average consumer can do little to affect the supply side, short of organizing a huge march that stops coal burning. However, the average consumer is in total control of the demand. Most of the energy consumption is done by your typical house, apartment and office building.
Consumers can begin to look into energy efficiency technologies. Anything from light bulbs to new windows can have a huge aggregate effect on the current demand of energy. Also, something so simple as turning off that extra light bulb you’re not using, or shutting down your computer when you don’t need it. Become aware of you energy consumption habits. I will continue to post different things you can do in future posts… stay tuned.
On the supply side, it will rest mainly in the hands of politicians and decision makers. It will be their responsibility to create and implement new policies aimed at reducing coal-based energy use. These could come in the form of incentives for new energy-saving technologies. New construction regulations aimed at reducing consumption, solar and wind power, etc. One particular topic of interest for me is Green Building. I personally think that we as a society should start thinking in terms of “zero footprint” homes and buildings. These are structures that are 100% sustainable. No need for coal powered energy. I think we are some years away from getting there, but there is no doubt in my mind it can be done.
I think I’ll stop for now, but I will follow up with more fascinating technologies that are emerging around the globe in order to save the planet.
Continue being green…
Rafa
