Global warming is disrupting life on planet Earth and in the process wreaking havoc with weather patterns everywhere. It has also done considerable damage to the worlds habitat. Unfortunately, what we know and see about this new phenomenon is merely the tip of a huge iceberg, as future generations will have to suffer the drastic consequences of what we are doing to the world today. Already, we have experienced famine and water shortages, drastic changes in weather conditions, as well as considerable loss (20 to 30 percent) of plant and animal lives.
Hope for the Future
The only silver lining is that delayed winters help in growing additional crops in the subarctic and temperate climatic zones. Even so, it is necessary to take steps to reduce global warming. We must stop destroying our planet at once, and we must be more focused on finding ways to repair what damage we can.
Be Better Educated
Being better educated about global warming will lead to making effective lifestyle and behavioral changes to save and protect our planet. By learning to use techniques that promote saving energy, we can all do our part in reducing the progression of global warming.
Influence Legislation with Your Vote
It is also equally important to vote in order to influence our government. Other options available in influencing legislation would be through writing letters, signing petitions, sending emails, making telephone calls and by holding town hall meetings. It is important to have your voice heard if real changes are to be made in terms of government response to global warming.
Eat Less Meat
Livestock is a major contributor in harmful emissions of greenhouse gases (methane) from manure. Therefore, each time we consume meat, we are contributing to polluting the environment. Eating less meat and more vegetables would necessarily reduce the amount of cattle being raised, which would result in lowered emissions of methane gas into the atmosphere.
Recycle More
It also pays to recycle as much and as often as we can. Neighborhood recycling projects can be easily set up to raise awareness in your community. Statistics regarding the actual number of people who make a concerted effort to recycle are grim. It is estimated that less than 25% of Americans truly recycle to any great extent.
Run Full Loads
Instead of running the dishwasher or clothes washer with partial loads, it makes more sense to run them only when completely loaded. This simple step can help in saving 100 pounds of carbon dioxide in addition to saving water. An added perk is that it can save an additional $40 annually per appliance when run filled to capacity.
Shop Locally
Finally, for those who are serious about learning how to reduce global warming, be sure to make purchases locally so that energy can be saved by commuting shorter distances to and from shopping centers. Distances that produce need to be transported can also be reduced by shopping at local farmers markets.
The process of learning how to reduce global warming begins at home. Once individuals and families have made a practice of doing all they can from their own homes, its time to venture out into the community, the state, the nation and even the entire world. Its like learning to walk before you take off running. Learn to do your part before you endeavor to teach others how to reduce global warming. In the famous words of Neil Armstrong, One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.
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