Global warming is caused by green house gases, which trap in the sun’s infrared rays in

the earth’s atmosphere, which in turn heat up the earth’s atmosphere. These green house
effect warming is called as global warming. The effects of green house effect are visible more
prominently in the recent years, with number of natural calamities on the rise in the whole
world.
The global warming has happened in the past few years and is evident from the rise in
mean temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. The main causes for the global warming are
attributed to release of green house gases by human activities. The main gases contributing
to green house effect are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and nitrous oxide. The
largest producers of these gases are the thermal power plants, which burn the fossil fuels and
produce these gases in large quantities. The second biggest sources of these green house
gases are the road vehicles and industries.
The global warming has led to increase in mean earth surface temperature and thus
melting of polar ice. There are frequent melt down of glaciers that result in floods and other
natural calamities. The melting of ice at the poles had led the mean sea level. And further
increase in temperature may further melt the ice and lead to further increase in mean sea
level, which will engulf low lying countries.
The effect of global warming is very evident on the animal kingdom also. Some animals
have become extinct due to loss of their natural habitat or their inability to evolve to the
rapid changes in the climate. Also there is a change in their life style because of the changes
in the seasons. The migrating birds have changed their time of travel and also their place of
migration.
The effect of global warming can be felt on seasons too. There is shift in season cycle, as
the summers are getting longer than the winters. This has affected the animals and made
them to change their lifestyle accordingly, and those who failed to do so have perished or on
the verge of extinction.
The global warming is also responsible for the introduction of some new diseases. The
bacteria are more effective and multiply much faster in warmer temperatures compared to
cold temperatures. The increase in temperature has led to increase in the microbes that
cause diseases.
Global warming is also effecting the crop production, as the crops are getting destroyed
by the sudden change in temperatures or sudden on set of rains. Also the flash floods and
other natural calamities affect the crop.
As a matter of fact, because of global warming, the earth’s atmosphere is getting more
unpredictable with heavy rains in the areas, which have scanty rainfall or drought in the
areas, which received good annual rainfall. The months of rainfall has also getting affected.
But there are some people on the other side of the wall also, they believe that the global
warming is a natural process and cannot disturb our ecosystem. The earth’s surface mean
temperature was even higher a long time ago, and the ecosystem has evolved from that
temperature to this. So it can evolve further. But the changes that are happening now are
rather fast compared to earlier times.

Cause and effect for global warming

Cause of global warming
Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the
increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane and ozone. Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect (see
below). The largest contributing source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels leading to the
emission of carbon dioxide.

The greenhouse effect

When sunlight reaches Earth's surface some is absorbed and warms the earth and most of the rest is
radiated back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the sun light. Some of these longer
wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they are lost to space. The
absorption of this longwave radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act like a
mirror and reflect back to the Earth some of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to space.
The reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect".

The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse
effect on Earth (not including clouds); carbon dioxide CO2, which causes 9-26%; methane, which
causes 4-9%, and ozone, which causes 3-7%. It is not possible to state that a certain gas causes a
certain percentage of the greenhouse effect, because the influences of the various gases are not
additive. Other greenhouse gases include, but are not limited to, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride,
hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons.

Global warming causes by greenhouse effect

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (see above) act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth a part
of the heat radiation, which would otherwise be lost to space. The higher the concentration of green
house gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more heat energy is being reflected back to
the Earth. The emission of carbon dioxide into the environment mainly from burning of fossil fuels (oil,
gas, petrol, kerosene, etc.) has been increased dramatically over the past 50 years, see graph below.

Fig. 1: Cause for global warming: Carbon dioxide emissions in million tons per year over the
last 200 years. (graph taken from
http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Global_Carbon_Emission_by_Type_png)
Fig. 2: Global warming cause: Concentration of carbon dioxide has dramatically increased in
the last 50 years (Source: NOAA)
 Fig 2: Trends for greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx)
concentrations in the atmosphere are still increasing. For the other major greenhouse gases,
the steady upward trend has been broken. (Graph taken from
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Major_greenhouse_gas_trends.png)
 Fig 3: From which sectors do the major greenhouse gas emissions come from? The lower
part of the picture shows the sources individually for the gases carbon dioxide, methane
and nitrous oxide, respectively. (Graph from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Greenhouse_Gas_by_Sector.png)

The increase of greenhouse gas concentration (mainly carbon dioxide) led to a substantial warming of
the earth and the sea, called global warming. In other words: The increase in the man-made emission
of greenhouse gases is the cause for global warming. For the effects of global warming see below.
 Effects of global warming
There are two major effects of global warming:

• Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3° to 5° C (5.4° to 9° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.
• Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet) by the year 2100.

More details about the effects of global warming :

Increasing global temperatures are causing a broad range of changes. Sea levels are rising due to
thermal expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice. Amounts and patterns of
precipitation are changing. The total annual power of hurricanes has already increased markedly since
1975 because their average intensity and average duration have increased (in addition, there has
been a high correlation of hurricane power with tropical sea-surface temperature).

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of
other extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of
global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer
stream flows, species extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, diseases like malaria are
returning into areas where they have been extinguished earlier.

Although global warming is affecting the number and magnitude of these events, it is difficult to
connect specific events to global warming. Although most studies focus on the period up to 2100,
warming is expected to continue past then because carbon dioxide (chemical symbol CO2) has an
estimated atmospheric lifetime of 50 to 200 years. For a summary of the predictions for the future
increase in temperature up to 2100

The planet is warming, from North Pole to South Pole, and everywhere in between. Globally, the
mercury is already up more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius), and even more in
sensitive polar regions. And the effects of rising temperatures aren’t waiting for some far-flung
future. They’re happening right now. Signs are appearing all over, and some of them are
surprising. The heat is not only melting glaciers and sea ice, it’s also shifting precipitation
patterns and setting animals on the move.
Some impacts from increasing temperatures are already happening.
• Ice is melting worldwide, especially at the Earth’s poles. This includes mountain glaciers,
ice sheets covering West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice.
 • Researcher Bill Fraser has tracked the decline of the Adélie penguins on Antarctica,
where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years.
• Sea level rise became faster over the last century.
• Some butterflies, foxes, and alpine plants have moved farther north or to higher, cooler
areas.
• Precipitation (rain and snowfall) has increased across the globe, on average.
• Spruce bark beetles have boomed in Alaska thanks to 20 years of warm summers. The
insects have chewed up 4 million acres of spruce trees.
Other effects could happen later this century, if warming continues.
• Sea levels are expected to rise between 7 and 23 inches (18 and 59 centimeters) by the
end of the century, and continued melting at the poles could add between 4 and 8 inches
(10 to 20 centimeters).
• Hurricanes and other storms are likely to become stronger.
• Species that depend on one another may become out of sync. For example, plants could
bloom earlier than their pollinating insects become active.
• Floods and droughts will become more common. Rainfall in Ethiopia, where droughts are
already common, could decline by 10 percent over the next 50 years.
• Less fresh water will be available. If the Quelccaya ice cap in Peru continues to melt at its
current rate, it will be gone by 2100, leaving thousands of people who rely on it for
drinking water and electricity without a source of either.
• Some diseases will spread, such as malaria carried by mosquitoes.
• Ecosystems will change—some species will move farther north or become more
successful; others won’t be able to move and could become extinct. Wildlife research
scientist Martyn Obbard has found that since the mid-1980s, with less ice on which to
live and fish for food, polar bears have gotten considerably skinnier. Polar bear biologist
Ian Stirling has found a similar pattern in Hudson Bay. He fears that if sea ice
disappears, the polar bears will as well.

Global Warming effects

Green house gases stay can stay in the atmosphere for an amount of years ranging from decades
to hundreds and thousands of years. No matter what we do, global warming is going to have
some effect on Earth. Here are the 5 deadliest effects of global warming.
5. Spread of disease
As northern countries warm, disease carrying insects migrate north, bringing plague and disease
with them. Indeed some scientists believe that in some countries thanks to global warming,
malaria has not been fully eradicated.
4. Warmer waters and more hurricanes
As the temperature of oceans rises, so will the probability of more frequent and stronger
hurricanes. We saw in this in 2004 and 2005.

3. Increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves

Although some areas of Earth will become wetter due to global warming, other areas will suffer
serious droughts and heat waves. Africa will receive the worst of it, with more severe droughts
also expected in Europe. Water is already a dangerously rare commodity in Africa, and
according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global warming will exacerbate
the conditions and could lead to conflicts and war.

2. Economic consequences
Most of the effects of anthropogenic global warming won’t be good. And these effects spell one
thing for the countries of the world: economic consequences. Hurricanes cause do billions of
dollars in damage, diseases cost money to treat and control and conflicts exacerbate all of these.

1. Polar ice caps melting

The ice caps melting is a four-pronged danger.
First, it will raise sea levels. There are 5,773,000 cubic miles of water in ice caps, glaciers, and
permanent snow. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, if all glaciers melted
today the seas would rise about 230 feet. Luckily, that’s not going to happen all in one go! But
sea levels will rise.
Second, melting ice caps will throw the global ecosystem out of balance. The ice caps are fresh
water, and when they melt they will desalinate the ocean, or in plain English – make it less salty.
The desalinization of the gulf current will “screw up” ocean currents, which regulate
temperatures. The stream shutdown or irregularity would cool the area around north-east
America and Western Europe. Luckily, that will slow some of the other effects of global
warming in that area!
Third, temperature rises and changing landscapes in the artic circle will endanger several species
of animals. Only the most adaptable will survive.
Fourth, global warming could snowball with the ice caps gone. Ice caps are white, and reflect
sunlight, much of which is relected back into space, further cooling Earth. If the ice caps melt,
the only reflector is the ocean. Darker colors absorb sunlight, further warming the Earth.
some of the causes of global warming are:-The average facade temperature of the
globe has augmented more than 1 degree Fahrenheit since 1900 and the speed of
warming has been almost three folds the century long average since 1970. This
increase in earth’s average temperature is called Global warming. More or less all
specialists studying the climate record of the earth have the same opinion now that
human actions, mainly the discharge of green house gases from smokestacks,
vehicles, and burning forests, are perhaps the leading power driving the fashion. As
said, the major cause of global warming is the emission of green house gases like
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc into the atmosphere. The major source
of carbon dioxide is the power plants. These power plants emit large amounts of
carbon dioxide produced from burning of fossil fuels for the purpose of electricity
generation. About twenty percent of carbon dioxide emitted in the atmosphere
comes from burning of gasoline in the engines of the vehicles. This is true for most
of the developed countries. Buildings, both commercial and residential represent a
larger source of global warming pollution than cars and trucks.

Building of these structures require a lot of fuel to be burnt which emits a large
amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Methane is more than 20 times as
effectual as CO2 at entrapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane is obtained from
resources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel
manufacture. When fields are flooded, anaerobic situation build up and the organic
matter in the soil decays, releasing methane to the atmosphere. The main sources
of nitrous oxide include nylon and nitric acid production, cars with catalytic
converters, the use of fertilizers in agriculture and the burning of organic matter.
Another cause of global warming is deforestation that is caused by cutting and
burning of forests for the purpose of residence and industrialization.
now the prevention of As said, the major cause of global warming is the emission of
green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc into the
atmosphere. The major source of carbon dioxide is the power plants. These power
plants emit large amounts of carbon dioxide produced from burning of fossil fuels
for the purpose of electricity generation. About twenty percent of carbon dioxide
emitted in the atmosphere comes from burning of gasoline in the engines of the
vehicles. This is true for most of the developed countries. Buildings, both
commercial and residential represent a larger source of global warming pollution
than cars and trucks.

Building of these structures require a lot of fuel to be burnt which emits a large
amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Methane is more than 20 times as
effectual as CO2 at entrapping heat in the atmosphere. Methane is obtained from
resources such as rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs and fossil fuel
manufacture. When fields are flooded, anaerobic situation build up and the organic
matter in the soil decays, releasing methane to the atmosphere. The main sources
of nitrous oxide include nylon and nitric acid production, cars with catalytic
converters, the use of fertilizers in agriculture and the burning of organic matter.
Another cause of global warming is deforestation that is caused by cutting and
burning of forests for the purpose of residence and industrialization.

The remedy of global warming are:-Reduce production

and combustion of fossil fuels, and hence emissions of carbon dioxide
Ross Gelbspan (author of The Heat Is On, a best-selling book on global warming)
and a group of energy experts have proposed a "World Energy Modernization Plan."
The plan calls for the creation of a 0.25 percent tax on international currency
transactions, yielding $150 to $200 billion for a fund to promote the global adoption
of renewable and energy efficient technologies. (Such a plan, Gelbspan says, would
"communicate the scope and scale of what's needed to deal with this crisis. The
science on what needs to be done is unambiguous." REF )

De-privatize (i.e., socialize) U. S. power companies, which will allow faster transition
from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy, without regard for private profits.
(Renewables face the continued obstacle of the political power of the utility, nuclear
and fossil fuels industries. However, the U.S. public strongly supports funding of
renewables. REF )

Educate the public in how to effectively use renewables such as solar and wind
energy, and support their adoption with a range of tax benefits, mandates and
pricing programs (e.g., see "Report Finds Midwest Could Be Saudi Arabia of
Renewable Energy; Economic Windfall for Farmers, Cleaner Air for Consumers'"
Union of Concerned Scientists, 14 February 2001).

Pressure U.S. politicians to support international treaties to reduce greenhouse gas

emissions (joining most of the world's nations).

Work to expose corporate propaganda and Astroturf groups that are opposed to
global warming controls-- tell your friends, speak to community gropus, write to
newspapers, join and support environmental groups, etc. As Mother Jones said,
"Raise hell."

Remain quiet, go about your work, and just hope that somebody else will do
something.
Facts About Global Warming
One of the major environmental issues haunting people is global warming. We need to stress what
individuals can do to contribute to the prevention of global warming. The gradual increase in the
temperature of the earth, caused by many factors, is referred to as global warming. Man is now
acknowledged to be one of the main contributors. The gradual increase in global temperatures is not
a recent phenomenon, and has been occurring for quite some time. Rising rates of pollution have
caused an increase in global warming, largely due to an increases in the development of cities and
technology. Global warming has been caused by emissions from cars and factories, the burning of
fossil fuels, deforestation, and the use of CFCs.

Global Warming, Fossil Fuels and Trees

One good way to prevent global warming is choosing to use power produced by alternative means
rather than by the burning of fossil fuels, which give off large amounts of carbon dioxide. Solar
energy can be a good alternative to use. Planting trees is another great way to prevent global
warming, because they are natural controllers of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Recycled paper
can be a really good measure to save trees and prevent global warming.

Global Warming and the Role of CFCs

Limit the use of appliances or materials which produce CFC to reduce global warming. The use of
CFCs is a major reason for depletion of the ozone layer, a process which contributes to global
warming. The discharges and exhaust from automobiles is another factor that causes global
warming. World population has increased exponentially. Consequently, the number of cars has
increased. Some great ways to reduce car emissions include: identifying fuel efficient cars, use bio-
fuels, correct the engine design, or using an electric car. Walking, cycling or using public transport
can help to prevent global warming. A good method for reducing emissions is to organize carpools.

Ways You Can Prevent Global Warming

Everybody can help to prevent global warming by not wasting energy in their homes. CFL bulbs,
which use less energy and have a longer life, can significantly reduced the amount of electricity
used. Another thing that can help is reducing the use of heaters and air conditioners. Some very
simple things, like hitting the off switch on electronic equipment and appliances when you are not
using them, and trading in old energy hog appliances for newer, more energy efficient ones can be a
contribution in the effort to prevent global warming. Alternative power sources, like home solar
energy generators, are a good way to make sure you are getting energy from means that are better
for the Earth.

Global Warming and Our Future

Simple lack of knowledge is another cause of global warming. We need to teach our children, and
increase awareness in factory owners, of the problems of energy conservation and global warming.
Future generations must be encouraged and taught to save the Earth, which is our habitat, and one
we share with other species. The media has a major role to play in helping people understand the
importance and impact of global warming. Global warming is a deep rooted problem, and only a
collective effort of humanity can reduce its effects. Global warming won't disappear overnight, but if
each of us will follow the measures mentioned above we can all contribute to preventing global
warming. For us and for our future generations, each of us must make the decision to take whatever
steps are necessary to prevent global warming, because together we can make a difference!

What is global Warming?

Global warming is the process of a gradual increase in the earths atmospheric and ground
temperatures throughout the entire planet. Studies have shown that global temperature has risen by
1 degree Fahrenheit over the last century. Day-to-day activities by humans since the beginning of the
industrial era have resulted in the increased emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses
to the atmosphere, causing a trend of warming at a distressing pace.

Causes of global warming

Carbon emissions - Carbon dioxide traps the heat of the sun on the globe, much like a veritable
balloon filled with warm air. On an average day, humans add to the atmospheric level of carbon
dioxide in several ways, from power plants to vehicles. Air pollution from industrial plants is increasing
at an alarming level despite steps taken to enforce environmentally friendly practices.

Deforestation - Following carbon emissions by humans, deforestation is the next most important cause
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Millions of acres of tropical rain forests are lost each year causing
climate change. Temperate forests which serve to absorb billions of tons of carbon are also being cut
down at a tremendous rate.

The dire consequences

Weather patterns - Apart from the wildfires caused by scorching hot and dry weather which burns
millions of acres of land worldwide, the main cause for concern is drought, which also increases the
risk of wildfires. Drought causes crops to fail, causing starvation and diseases in less developed
countries where agriculture is the main source of food and income. Conversely, warm temperatures
can also cause heavier rainfall and floods. More energy in the climatic system causes hurricanes and
tsunamis. Balance of ecology is disturbed.

Health - Smog in certain parts of the world is causing allergies and asthmatic conditions to worsen.
The poor air quality also results in weakened respiratory system. Droughts and other eco disruptions
lead to the rapid spread of infectious diseases and food and waterborne illnesses such as malaria,
cholera and dengue fever.

Wildlife - With ecosystems unable to adapt to the pace of climatic changes, several species are
reaching near extinction. From decreasing numbers of polar bears to the danger of extinction of
penguins in the Antarctic, this threat has roots in the vast reductions of their natural habitats.
What measures you can take?

Stop pollution! - Cutting down pollution from car emissions and power plants will decrease the rate of
global warming to a great extent. Varied technologies for use of alternative energy have already been
developed. And, more technology is being developed regularly. We need to continue to make use of
current alternative energy resources like wind power and solar power, and we can adopt new
technologies as they are developed.

Changes to the legal system - With public support on the rise, laws must be imposed worldwide to cap
emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses from industrial and power plants. Tighter
standards for appliances such as air conditioners and heat pumps will also strengthen the efforts to
reduce emissions.

Make it YOUR problem. - Energy conservation should be addressed in a right way. Reduce your energy
bills by opting for little changes such as fluorescent lights and environmentally friendly refrigerators.
Make an effort in every little way you can to sustain the planet for future generations. Let us embrace
sustainable development.

Global warming causes and remedies

Global warming causes and remedies

Global warming is caused by the green house gases such as carbon di oxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluoro carbons, perfluoro carbon and sulpur
hexafluoride. Among these first two gases are the major contributor. These gases
rise the temperature of the atmosphere.

Concentration of these gases have resulted in melting of glaciers, rise in sea level
which will result in submerging of lower area of earth, extreme wether events such
 as frequent cyclones and stroms. Drive
away the carbon emission with Renewable energy technologies

Some efforts shoule be taken for reduction of these emission.

The top 5 contributors are US, Russia, UK, China and India. Developed countries
have already been emitting most persentage of emission. Developing countries
have also been emitting in order to maintain their growth.
There several meets and protocols worldwide to reduce the effect of Green House
gases(GHGs). These are Kyoto protocol, Copenhagen meet and so on. They have
agreed to reduce these GHGs by 2020. Wheather they are developed or developing
countries, the individuals should aware of these emissions and try to reduce by
taking responsibilities at their own risk in order to save our earth.
As the technologies have been revolutioning the world, scientist and experts should
found new ways of using solar, wind and other renewable energies at reduced cost,
so that the conventional vechicles and industrial components would be completely
avoided.
Politcians should also cooperate for the technological breakthrough in order to
reduce the carbon emissions for saving our earth

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Reduce

Global Warming

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products
with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to
reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If
there isn't a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting
one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide
annually.

2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

Adding insulation to your walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and
windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you
need 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.

3. Change a Light Bulb

Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing
just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs
also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent
less heat.

If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of
greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4. Drive Less and Drive Smart

Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of
exercise. Explore your community mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling to work
or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly
inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only
helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products

When it's time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now come
in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more
natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.

Avoid products that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that
can't be recycled. If you reduce your household garbage by 10 percent, you can save 1,200 pounds of
carbon dioxide annually.

6. Use Less Hot Water

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more
than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon
dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the
energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide
annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on your dishwasher and let the dishes
air-dry.
7. Use the "Off" Switch

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using
only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, video player, stereo and
computer when you're not using them.

It's also a good idea to turn off the water when you're not using it. While brushing your teeth,
shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing. You'll
reduce your water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.

8. Plant a Tree
If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants
absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric
exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in carbon
dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single tree will
absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company

Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their
homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to
help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10. Encourage Others to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbors and co-
workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that
are good for the environment.

These 10 steps will take you a long way toward reducing your energy use and your monthly budget.
And less energy use means less dependence on the fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and
contribute to global warming.