You've no doubt read about the global warming report, right? It was released today from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (United Nations). Among other things it says this:Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level.Unequivocal. You know scientists are never quick to use that word. This report is making headlines all over the world, and with any luck, things will start to sink in more with the general public, me included. A really heartening and immediate result of the report is happening in England. The Environment Minister there, David Miliband, said this:
The debate over the science of climate change is well and truly over, as demonstrated by the publication of today's report.He then announced that all secondary school children across England will be shown Al Gore's documentary on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth. Now that's how you make a change, isn't it? EVERY kid will see it. I know I've harped about seeing that movie, but it is very well done, not excessively partisan and, despite the name above the title, not dry or boring at all. Check it out.
This might come off as preachy, and Lord knows there are myriad changes I need to make, but how about everyone who reads this buys one compact fluorescent bulb this weekend? Or two, and give one to a friend. ALL the scientists agree that time is running out fast and that we have already committed the earth to centuries of warming temperatures and rising oceans. Can a few light bulbs help?
If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.Me? I'm gonna buy a half-dozen because I feel like I've contributed more than my share of environmental gases this week. Dude, my car totally smells like broccoli, and I don't eat in there if you know what I'm sayin'.
4 comments:
Big fan of the compact fluorescents. Although we can never find a variety of wattages, which is a pain in my ass.
Please point out, though, that compact fluorescents contain mercury. This means you should NEVER throw them in your regular trash - they should be dealt with according to hazardous-waste disposal regulations wherever you live.
And there's your helpful nugget of trivia from freakgirl! Thank you for reminding us to all do our part, Michael. :)
::Cue THE MORE YOU KNOW sound::
And they can't be put in lights that are on dimmers, right? Otherwise, have at it, kiddos!
No dimmers? I did not know that.
Do you know if they have them in the three-way wattage? Why does that sound so filthy?
I just saw this film the other night. I liked it, despite being so freaked out. I cant help but think we are all gonna get blown to bits by some other fast acting evil but nonetheless I am paying better attention to what I trash verses what I blue bag.
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