Global warming is becoming a greater threat the longer we resist doing something about it on a

massive scale. Though we’re already seeing its effects in droughts, hurricanes, wildfires, and
unprecedented temperature extremes both high and low, it’s not too late to slow it down and
mitigate the effects.
What Is Global Warming?
Global warming is known as the gradual rise in temperature caused by the increasing
accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. These earth-warming gases are
comprised of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, tropospheric ozone, and
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They allow shortwave radiation from the sun to pass through the
atmosphere and warm Earth’s surface. Longwave radiation, the energy that radiates out from
the surface of the planet, then becomes trapped by the same greenhouse gases, warming the
air, oceans, and land. This process is called “the greenhouse effect."
The greenhouse effect is not harmful itself. Earth wouldn’t be warm enough to sustain life
without it. It’s the cumulative effect greenhouse gases have in conjunction with fossil fuels that
make the effect dangerous. When coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, they release enormous
amounts of greenhouses gases, especially CO2, which is the most prevalent. The gases
released add up faster than the atmosphere can absorb them, disrupting our planet’s ability to
maintain a stable temperature. Combine the previous century’s population growth, expansion of
industry, and extensive deforestation, and our planet is seeing levels of gas concentration in the
atmosphere never seen before in the 200,000-year history of human existence.
10 things you can do to combat Global Warming
1. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
Add insulation to your walls and attic. Installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and
windows lowers your heating costs by more than 25 percent (reducing the amount of energy
used to heat and cool your home). Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away
during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Setting your thermostat just 2
degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide
each year.
2. Inflate your tires
Keep the tires on your car adequately inflated. Check them monthly. Save 250 lbs. of carbon
dioxide and $840 per year.
3. Change the AC Filter
Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended. Save 350 lbs. of carbon dioxide
and $150 per year.