Global Warming 

Global Warming is caused by carbon dioxide and other air pollution that collects in the atmosphere. These pollutants form a sort of blanket that traps the sun's heat and causes the planet to warm up. Coal-burning power plants are the largest source of carbon dioxide pollution with automobiles being the second largest.

This has undoubtedly caused the air to get warmer and although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. It is thought that the trend is accelerating and we know that the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1990. Scientists say that unless we curb global warming emissions, average temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century.    

Global warming is a complex phenomenon, and its full-scale impacts are hard to predict far in advance. But each year scientists learn more about how global warming is affecting the planet, and many agree that certain consequences are likely to occur if current trends continue. Among these:

  • Melting glaciers, early snowmelt and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water shortages.
  •  Rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding
  • Warmer sea surface temperatures will fuel more intense hurricanes in the south eastern Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
  • Forests, farms and cities will face troublesome new pests and more mosquito-borne diseases.
  • Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive many plant and animal species to extinction.

How can we cut global warming pollution? Pollution can be reduced immediately by using existing technologies to build cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators. We can increase the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, sun and geothermal.  It is possible to cut power plant pollution and still have enough electricity. Firstly, we must use more efficient appliances and equipment in our homes and offices to reduce our electricity needs. We can also replace coal-burning power plants, that generate most of our electricity, with cleaner plants.

How can we cut car pollution? Cost-effective technologies to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks of all sizes are available now. Hybrid gas-electric engines can cut global warming pollution by one-third or more It is also possible to buy products to add to the fuel tank that not only  reduce emissions by up to 78 % and but also increase petrol consumption and efficiency.