Climate change or global warming?

NVP from 4ºF.

I would like to speak about something different. In class, we exchanged ideas about recycling our rubbish and about the strategies that the government has adopted. Here you have a summary about 'The importance of being Green'.


Climate Change or Global warming?

The term climate change is often used interchangeably with the term global warming, but according to the National Academy of Sciences, the phrase 'climate change' is growing in preferred use to 'global warming' because it helps convey that there are [other] changes in addition to rising temperatures.

Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from:

-Natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun.

-Natural processes within the climate system (e.g. changes in ocean circulation).

-Human activities that change the atmosphere's composition (e.g. through burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g. deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification, etc.).
Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage, 'global warming' often refers to the warming that can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities.


Beginning late in the 18th Century, human activities associated with the Industrial Revolution have changed the composition of the atmosphere and therefore very likely are influencing the Earth's climate.
For over the past 200 years, the burning of oil fosil fuels, such as coal and oil, and desforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping 'greenhouse gases' to increase significantly in our atmosphere. These gases prevent heat from escaping to space and are necessary to life because they keep the planet's surface warmer than it otherwise would be. But, as concentrations of this gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature is climbing above past levels. The eight warmest years on record (since 1850) have all occured since 1998, with the warmest year being 2005. Most of the warming in recent decades is very likely the result of human activities. Other aspects of the climate are also changing such as rainfall patterns, snow, ice cover and sea level.
Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate. But they are not sure by how much it will change, at what rate it will change, or what the exact effects will be.
However, we know that climate change affects people, plants, animals and some changes are already occurring. Observed effects include sea level rise, shrinking glaciers, changes in the range and distribution of plants and animals, trees blooming earlier, lengthening of growing seasons, ice on rivers and lakes freezing later and breaking up earlier, and thawing of permafrost. Another key issue being studied is how societies and the Earth's environment will adapt to or cope with climate change. (For example, in Northern regions, Alaska are expected to experience the most warning).

And what can you do?

You can start by asserting your own contribution to the problem. There are some simple steps (that you can take at home, at the office, on the road, at school...) to reduce your emissions. Greenhouse gases are emitted as a result of the energy we use by driving and using electricity and through other activities that support our quality of life like growing food and raising livestock. Greenhouse gas emissions can be minimized through simple measures lide changing light bulbs in your home and properly inflating your tires to improve your car's fuel economy. Here you have over 25 action steps that individuals can take to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, increase the nation's energy independence and also save money.


At Home.

1-Change a light, and you help change the world.
Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frecuently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the Energy Star and you will keep the environment while saving money on energy bills.

2-Look for Energy Star qualified products.
When buying new products, such as appliances for your home (lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment...) get the features and performance you want and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

3-Heat and cool smartly.
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having you heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licenced contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a high efficiency model and make sure it is properly sized and installed.

4-Seal and insulate your home.
If you are planning to replace windows, choose qualified windows for better performance. Forced air ducts that run through unconditioned spaces are often big energy wasters.

5-Use green power.
Green Power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: you can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own greenpower.

6-Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Recycle newspapers, beverage containers, papers and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials.

7-Be green in your yard.
Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumes no fosil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. Composting your food and yard waste reduces de amount of garbage that you send to land fills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

8-Use water efficiently.
Saving water around the home is simple. Municipal water system requires a lot of energy to purify and distribute water to households, and saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape, only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket.

9-Spread the world.
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency es good for their homes and good for environment.


At The Office.

Business and home offices use a significant amount of electricity for heating and cooling, lighting and operating equipment.

1-Manage office equipment energy use better.
Activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day.

2-Look for qualified products for the office.
Computers, copiers, printers, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, comercial appliances...

3-Use less energy for your commute.
Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking, telecommuting and other innovative ways to save energy.

4-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Use two-sided printing and copying, buy supplies made with recycled content, donate used equipment to schools or other organitations...


On The Road.

1-Buy smart.
Think before buying a new or used vehicle (or even before renting a vehicle). Choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.

2-Drive smart.
Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gases emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items to trunk to reduce weight.

3-Tune your ride.
Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and replace your vehicle's air filter regularly.

4-Check your tires.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear and reduces fuel economy.

5-Give your car a breath.
Use public transportation, carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car.

6-And... Use renewable fuels.


I think this steps are so simple...Remember always the three R: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.