Global Warming Facts

As global warming continues to receive more exposure on the internet, the television, and the radio, you may start to pay more attention. If global warming is an issue that you are concerned about or if it is an issue that you would like to explore more, you will want to continue reading on. A few interesting and occasionally devastating global warming facts are outlined below.

Global warming is real. Although there is a lot of opposition and debate that surrounds global warming, scientific proof shows that global warming is real. This is something that cannot be ignored much longer, even by those who oppose global warming or claim it is a sham. The earths temperature is rising. With that in mind, this aspect of global warning isnt always debated as much as the affects of global warming are.

Glaciers and polar icecaps are melting. This is another fact of global warming that we should all be well aware of. While there is debate that surrounds this fact, this melting is occurring. Generally speaking, the debate surrounding the melting of glaciers concerns the causes of it. Global warming is causing glaciers and icecaps to melt at a faster rate of speed, but it is not the sole cause.

In keeping with the melting of glaciers, icecaps, and snowcaps, this melting is having a profound affect on sea and wildlife. For starters, polar bears are the animals experts are most concerned about. Polar bears rely on glaciers and icecaps as a way to travel and find food. As these important masses continue to disappear, polar bears are likely to find it more difficult to travel and find food. In fact, many will die because of this difficulty.

The melting of glaciers and icecaps will also have an impact on coastal flooding in the future. This fact is supported by much independent research and many computer generated models. As for the impact this important global warming fact can have on the coastal areas, it can and will be devastating. Many coastal residents will be displaced. Those in the United States who are most like to be impacted by this flooding are New Orleans residents.

In addition to melting ice and snow, the increase in the earths temperature will also have an impact on water. This is most commonly the case with coral reefs. Coral reefs are suffering due to the steady rise in water temperature. This change with coral reefs is commonly referred to as bleaching. This when coral reefs lose their beautiful, vibrant colors. Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact other sea life, as many rely on coral reefs for food, shelter, and protection.

The above mentioned global warming facts are just a few of the many that may be of interest you. If you would like to help stop global warming, but only if your help will do good, you may want to take the time to research global warming. The same can be said if you are unsure as to whether or not global warming is a real problem. Many individuals, possibly even you, think that global warming prevention steps are just a waste of time and energy if global warming does not exist. That is why researching the facts that surround global warming are important. In fact, you may also want to encourage your friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers to do the same.

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Global Warming Explored In Schools

Global warming, as you may already know is the process that describes the earths temperature rise. This rise in temperature is because of greenhouse grasses. Although global warming may not have a significant impact on your life, it is likely to have a huge and possibly devastating impact on the lives of your children, their children, and future generations to come. For that reason, many educators are taking the time to educate their students on global warming. In fact, you may be surprised just how soon these lessons start.

When it comes to global warming and schools, you will find that global warming is being taught at a much earlier age. In a way, this is good thinking. For example, ensuring that all unused lights and appliances are turned off when they are not in use is a great way to not only save money on electricity, but also help in the fight against global warming. Since these prevention steps are ones that children off all ages can do, they are being touched on at an early age.

Since many younger elementary school students are unable to comprehend the science behind global warming, at least right now, educators use creative ways to cover this important issue. At the elementary school level, science projects are often used to demonstrate how global warming works and the impact it may have on the environment. These demonstrations often involve miniature ecosystems built in the classroom. These and other environmental science projects and demonstrations are a nice, fun, and exciting way to draw attention to important environmental issues, like global warming, even at a young age.

As your child ages, they will likely continue to learn about global warming, but more from a scientific standpoint. As children reach the middle school and high school levels, they are likely to do less experiments and demonstrations, but the impact will be the same, if not greater. Dont be surprised if your children bring home global warming related articles and graphs, as they have been incorporated into many lessen plans. These materials will better help your child understand the impact global warming can have on the planet, such as the ways that temperatures continue to rise.

As previously stated, in addition to discussing the science behind global warming, your children are likely to learn many ways that they can help to stop global warming or at least lessen the impact of it. Unless you regularly stay updated on global warming news yourself, many of these prevention steps may be relatively new to you. For that reason, you will want to take what your children have to say into consideration when they discuss global warming. You will want to encourage them to stay up-to-date on this important issue and you may even want to do the same yourself.

Despite the fact that global warming is a topic that is being covered in many schools around the world, you, as a parent, may still want to do your part at home. Be sure to encourage discussions about global warming and let your children help to make your home more environmental friendly. Although we have the ability to help stop global warming or at least lessen its impacts now, it is important that these prevention steps are shared with the generations yet come and the best way to do so is with your own children.

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Global Warming: Do You Believe?

When it comes to global warming, you will find no shortage of information. Whether you look online, turn the television on, or pick up a newspaper, you are likely to see something on global warming.

As previously stated, global warming is a topic that is becoming hot. It is an issue that is widely discussed. Most of the information that you will read or see on television concerns the negative affects that global warming will have on your planet, such as coastal flooding, erratic weather, and the easy spread of diseases. Another popular global warming topic is prevention. You are also likely always presented with ways that you can help to stop or at least lessen the impact of global warming. These ways often include purchasing energy efficient appliances, cars, and light bulbs.

Although much attention and focus is placed on what global warming is and what we can do to stop it, you will also find opposition. In recent years, we have learned just how much opposition global warming has. Global warming is no longer a cause for environmentalists; it is also a big cause for debate. This debate circles around a number of different viewpoints, such as the one that global warming is just a scam to collect money for environmental organizations and the view that the changes we are seeing arent directly related to global warming, as they have been anticipated for years now.

As previously mentioned, the global warming debate has seemed to grow in past years. Before, you may have occasionally heard of a political figure or celebrity who believed that global warming was nothing more than an untrue myth. However, now, you can see this opposition just about anywhere. Global warming is widely debated online, on television, and even on the radio. What does this mean for you and other Americans? It often means uncertainty. After all, if you have so many people telling you that global warming is just a scam to raise money, you may start to believe so after a while.

As for your viewpoints, do you believe in global warming? If you are uncertain, do you at least feel that it is an issue that needs to be discussed more? If so, you are not alone. Many Americans would like to see more information and proof on global warming. The good news is that you can easily find this proof online or with television and movie documentaries, such as An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore. The internet is another tool that you may want to use, when giving global warming a closer look. In fact, you may want to take the time to research both sides of the global warming debate. This may help you decide whether or not global warming is something that you believe in.

Even if you do not officially believe in global warming, you may still be concerned with the environment. As outlined above, some opposition believes that the earths temperature would rise anyways, as it has been doing so for years now. The same can be said with sea level, as a rise in it has always been anticipated. Even if global warming isnt the cause of these changes, they can still cause alarm. The one thing that many experts agree on, whether or not they can agree on global warming, is that some of the prevention tips suggested are ones that can do no harm. These tips include carpooling when possible and reducing as much energy in your home as possible, such as by turning off all unused lights and appliances.

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THE LIVING SERIES: Green Cleaning for a Healthy Home

About the Actor
As founder of EnviroMaid, an eco-friendly home and office maintenance company, Emmanuel Rey integrated many of his personal down-to-earth values into the business. EnviroMaid promotes the use of natural, toxic-free products such as plant-based extracts and minerals, offering environmentally friendly services as a viable alternative for both households and businesses. Emmanuel has been featured on television as a green cleaning expert.

RECIPES FOR MAKING YOUR OW (more…)

Carbon Dioxide Declared Danger to Public Health

At the global climate summit in Copenhagen today, the Obama Administration declared carbon dioxide a threat to public health, leaving the door is open for the EPA to regulate emissions from vehicles, factories and power plants.

American business groups, including U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the Edison Electric Institute oppose the declaration, saying it will place undue costs on an already struggling economy.

Despite such dire predictions, there is some good news today on the carbon capture front. It comes from the National Coal Council, a federal advisory committee to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. Today the NCC presented the U.S. Department of Energy with recommendations for broad deployment of carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 with sustained economic and employment growth.

The study found that extensive deployment of coal-based generation with carbon dioxide capture and storage over the next 40 years would increase U.S. GDP by $2.7 trillion, create 28 million job-years over four decades from new construction, and support 800,000 permanent jobs related to operation and maintenance of these facilities. The analysis also found that related enhanced oil recovery projects utilizing the captured CO2 could help extract more than 2 million barrels per day of domestic oil.

“The technologies to deploy coal-based power generation with carbon capture and storage are available now, subject to establishment of the proper financial, regulatory and liability framework,” said NCC Study Chair Fred Palmer, senior vice president of government relations at Peabody Energy.

Meanwhile, back in Copenhagen, talks of carbon trading are heating up. According to MarketWatch:

The value of the global carbon trading market could rise from roughly $118 billion in 2008 to nearly $2 trillion by 2020, although it currently remains frozen in the headlights pending safe passage of U.S. emissions trading legislation.

Global Warming: Coming to a Television Set Near You

Global Warming: Coming to a Television Set Near You

Have you heard about global warming? If you watch television, you likely have. With that in mind, if you are currently unfamiliar with global warming, you will likely have multiple chances to familiarize yourself with it. This is because global warming is an issue that is seeing an increase in media time.

If you are interested in learning more about global warming through your television set, you will find that you have a number of different options. Of course, you can always sit down and watch the news. Many around the clock news channels mention global warming at least once a day. Even your local news is likely to touch on global warming in a newscast, especially the local affects of it.

In addition to traditional newscasts, many around the clock news stations are also starting to create their own specials. For example, CNN developed their own series on global warming, titled Planet in Peril. These types of special programs are often advertised during traditional newscasts. The good news with around the clock news stations is that many of these special programs are later repeated, many times later at night.

In addition to national news channels, there are many more stations who are starting to use their airwaves to help combat global warming. One of these stations is that of The Weather Channel. In addition to mentioning global warming in passing on traditional programming, The Weather Channel is also known for its specials, which may include specials on global warming. The line of Discovery Channels may also have global warming programs available as well.

Another one of the many ways that you can learn about global warming right from your couch is through movies, namely documentaries. There are a number of documentaries on global warming, the science behind it, and its affects. In fact, there are many more documentaries expected to come in the future. When it comes to global warming documentaries, you will find that you have a number of options. Many can be purchased locally or online, as well as rented.

In keeping with global warming documentaries, you will want to examine An Inconvenient Truth and 11th Hour. These two environmental documentaries are more well know for the people who stand behind them. When many think of global warming, Al Gore is often the first person that comes to mind. His An Inconvenient Truth documentary is not only backed with scientific proof and resources, but it also an award winning piece. As for 11th Hour, having Leonardo DiCaprio has a co-producer and co-writer also helps to bring much needed attention to this important issue.

As nice as is to know how you can go about using your television to learn more about global warming, you may be wondering why you should. Although global warming is an issue that is widely debated, many believe what they hear. If you are one of those individuals you will want to educate yourself on the subject as much as possible. After all, knowledge is the best way to fight a problem, such as global warming.

As outlined above, you have a number of different options when looking to use the television as a way to learn more about global warming. With most news reports, television specials, and documentaries lasting less than two hours, you have nothing to lose by taking to the time familiarize yourself with global warming.

Sunsei SE-GM Solar Panel 4-Point Glue Mounting Kit For SE-4000, SE-6000, SE-8000 #71103

Amazon.com
The Sunsei Solar Charger 4-point pole mounting kit provides a drill-free mounting option for the Sensei solar panels SE4000, SE6000 and SE8000. Featuring durable, marine-grade stainless steel construction, this kit includes four corner glue mounts, designed to secure your solar panels to a roof or deck; it also includes two mid-frame bridge mounts to interconnect multiple panels, as well as Sikaflex 252 bonding agent and required bolts and nuts. The kit is covered by a 2 (more…)

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10 Things You Should Put in Your House in 2010

The last thing home builders should want is a reputation for turning out substandard houses loaded with the cheapest materials they can find. Sure, the company might make money for a while, but in the end, the negative word-of-mouth will spread faster than you can say “class action lawsuit,” and everyone knows where that could lead.

Conscientious builders, instead, try to turn a profit but looks for ways to make houses more energy-efficient, more durable, more attractive, and cheaper to operate. Simply put: They look for ways to make houses better.

There are different ways to build a better house, of course. Using tried-and-true techniques that work should be the first option. But because building scientists and manufacturers have learned much in the last 25 years, there are a variety of ways builders can improve their products.

Last year, BUILDER Online wrote about 10 ways to improve the perceived value of homes in “10 Things You Must Put in Your Next House.” This list recommended items such as inexpensive butcher block countertops, but it also included products that could be deemed “green” such as dual-flush toilets and tankless water heaters. “Is it me or were 9 of the 10 of these green-oriented products?” one reader commented. “Maybe the title should have been ‘Go Green in 2009.’”

You can call these products green if you like, but that’s not our intent. People mistakenly associate products that improve performance or save money with the green movement. In the old days, it was merely called Yankee thrift, good building practices, or simply common sense. Sometimes a better product is not about green; it’s simply about being, well, better.

Having said that, we’ve compiled another list of products. It does contain products that will help homeowners lower their energy bills, but it also consists of offerings that will last longer and perform better than conventional choices.

As is the case with many high-performing products, some of these will have a higher initial cost, but they save money in labor, maintenance, energy, or replacement. Use one or use them all if your budget allows. Feel free to call them green if you like. But regardless of what you call them, any of these products will improve your houses and your reputation with your buyers in the New Year and beyond.

Credit: Georgia Pacific

Radiant Barrier
A radiant barrier is simple: It’s just a structural panel with a reflective material (usually aluminum) laminated to one side that installs foil side down on a roof deck to reduce heat gain in warm climates. Manufacturers say the panels can block up to 97% of heat transfer through roof sheathing, which lowers attic temperatures and consequently reduces cooling costs by 5% to 10%. Studies say the material ranges from 15 cents to 75 cents per square foot, but you have to install roof sheathing anyway, so why not get one with the foil attached?

Credit: Dow Building Solutions

Foam Board Insulation
Insulation on the interior is a no-brainer, but a house also will see additional benefits from rigid foam board insulation installed on the exterior wall or roof deck. In addition to boosting thermal resistance, the product adds to a house’s structural strength and reduces conduction through elements such as joists and studs. Boards range in R-values from 3.8 to 8 per inch of thickness.

Credit: Marvin Windows and Doors

Better Windows, Better Placement
Energy Star-qualified windows were more than adequate a short time ago, but with the development of better glazing technology, they are no longer good enough. If the budget permits, get the best climate-specific window you can. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homeowners a tax credit for using replacement windows with a 0.30 U-factor and a 0.30 solar heat gain coefficient. And remember, where you put the windows (and their shading) is just as important as the products themselves.

Credit: ARXX Corp.

ICF Foundation
It’s pointless to improve the energy efficiency of your houses only to neglect the basement walls. Houses leak here too. Building with insulating concrete forms (ICFs) is a smart way to go. ICFs are lightweight rigid expanded polystyrene or extruded polystyrene foam forms that hold concrete in place during the curing process but are left in place to serve as thermal insulation for the walls. In addition to possessing insulation values ranging from R-17 to R-26, ICF foundation walls are fast and easy to construct.

Credit: Follansbee Steel

Metal Roof
Asphalt dominates the residential roofing category, but more green building advocates are recommending metal roofs as an energy-efficient improvement. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or zinc, metal is a durable, lightweight material that’s extremely fire-resistant. No wonder it’s the material of choice for so many agriculture buildings. Considered a “cool” roof, a metal roof reflects heat, lowers energy use, and helps reduce the heat island effect. The product is pricey—especially copper, zinc, and stainless steel—but it has a low lifecycle cost, and some states offer lower home insurance premiums for homes with metal roofs.

Credit: AZEK Building Products

Cellular PVC Trim
Wood, the old standby, is a good choice for exterior trim. But unless you’re using durable species such as mahogany, teak, or cedar, millwork will eventually succumb to Mother Nature. Available as trim, sheets, and corner boards, cellular PVC lumber can be cut and nailed like wood, but it’s resistant to moisture and insects, which means a homeowner will not have to replace it—at least not anytime soon. It can be painted, but manufacturers say there’s no need.

Credit: TruStile Doors

Solid Core Doors
A hollow-core door may look acceptable, but homeowners will soon notice how flimsy they feel and how little soundproofing and privacy hollow-core doors truly offer. But, then again, what do you expect for a $30 slab? Solid-core doors are much better. Not only do they sound and feel more substantial to a homeowner, they also exhibit excellent sound transmission properties. They last longer too. Considering that the average new home in 2007 measured 2,407 square feet and had 8.6 interior passage doors, solid core doors will seem pricey at $100. The good news is that the homes that are being built–and sold in the downturn–are smaller and likely have fewer doors. Using solid-core doors only for bedrooms and main bathrooms will also lower costs.

Credit: Resolute USA

Better Light Fixtures
There are a handful of areas where it can be painfully obvious that the builder took the cheap way out. Inferior lighting is one of them. Here are a few tips: Don’t try to get too fancy. Don’t get brass. Do go for something simple and elegant, whether it’s traditional or contemporary. If money is an issue, focus on a living space that everyone sees, such as the dining room/kitchen or great room. Keep in mind that low-cost and cheap aren’t the same things. You can often find a nice simple light for just a few dollars more than your original choice and get a priceless “wow” factor in the process.

Credit: Lutron Electronics

Dimmers
Say you haven’t bought into the energy efficiency hype of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, and your pockets aren’t deep enough for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For you, incandescent is the one true light. Fair enough, but at least install a few dimmers so your buyers can save some bucks by lowering the intensity of the light output as needed. Dimmers allow homeowners to save energy, extend the life of light bulbs, and gain more lighting flexibility in their home. Again, think strategically and install dimmers just in the kitchen, living room, and maybe the dining room if margins are tight.

Credit: RAIS

EPA-Certified Wood Stove
Strictly speaking, a freestanding wood-burning stove will not improve your house–although if you select one of those really handsome European numbers, it will certainly add to your home’s aesthetics. But the beauty of a wood stove goes deeper than the unit’s cast iron or soapstone skin. Unlike a fireplace, a wood stove performs a slow controlled burn that produces substantially less smoke. The product also is an excellent source of supplemental heat, which is radiated to a house long after the fire dies away. Consequently, a properly sized wood stove can heat up to 4,000 square feet.

Global Warming: Can It Be Stopped?

If you are familiar with global warming, you are also likely familiar with the debate that surrounds it. Although many individuals claim that global warming is nothing more than a myth or even a scam used to raise money for environmental issues, it isnt too hard to see that the earth is changing.

As previously stated, the earth is changing. Although these changes are small, many notice them. We have noticed a change in the weather pattern, which includes stronger storms, as well as varying temperatures. We have also noticed a change in icecaps and glaciers, as many are melting at quicker rates than originally anticipated. Unfortunately, if global warming continues as many experts predict it will, the changes that we notice will increase in intensity and many will be life changing experiences.

When it comes to global warming and its affects, one of the most commonly asked questions surrounds prevention. Many wonder if global warming can be stopped or if there are at least ways that we can lessen its impact. This issue is also one that has been widely debated. Many of the experts who oppose global warming, claim that the rise in the earths temperatures is nothing unexpected. Many attribute it to normal pattern. For that reason, there are many who believe that there is nothing that we can do to stop or lessen the impact of global warming, as the changes that we are seeing are ones that may have occurred no matter what.

Even as the debate continues on, we still have to take a look at the changes the earth is seeing, even if it isnt related to global warming. Glaciers and icecaps in the north are melting at a small, but still high rate of speed. Although this melting was predicted and has been anticipated for years now, things are moving along a little bit faster than anticipated. This brings more support to the theory of global warming. So whether you believe in global warming or not, you may still be interested in doing what you can to help stop the changes our planet is seeing.

One of the many ways that humans can help stop global warming or at least many of the changes we are seeing with our planet is by taking a close look at our homes. You may be surprised how much carbon dioxide the average home emits. Simply by ensuring that all light and appliances are turned off when not in use can do wonders for the environment and possibly global warming. In keeping with electricity use in our homes, energy efficient appliances and simply energy efficient light bulbs can help to lessen the carbon dioxide emissions from most homes. In fact, did you know that energy efficient appliances and light bulbs can also save you money?

Another one of the many ways that we can help to stop global warming or at least the changes on our planet that are staring to take hold is by looking at our vehicle uses. Another big contributor of carbon dioxide is the vehicles that we drive. Energy efficient vehicles are affordable, they can save you money over time, and they can also help the environment. Even if you cannot afford a new energy efficient vehicle, there are still steps that you can take to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions for your vehicle. These steps including taking public transportation or carpooling as much as possible, changing your cars air filter on a monthly basis, as well as making sure your car tires are properly inflated.

As previously stated, it is hard to know the impact that the above mentioned steps will have on global warming and our planet. Even if global warming is not an issue that you believe in, it is important to remember that many of the global warming prevention steps outlined above are ones that will do good for the environment anyways.

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Forget Fed Legislation—Building Energy Code Has Already Been Decided

I’d really been focused on the potential impact of federal climate legislation. So I don’t know how I missed the fact that when governors of 50 states accepted $3 billion in stimulus money in February in the form of state energy grants from the Department of Energy that they were also agreeing to adopt and enforce building energy codes that meet or exceed ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007. This model code covers new buildings and existing buildings with major remodeling, equipment replacement or renovations.

By taking the money, about $1.5 billion of which has been so far dispersed, the governors also agreed to be 90% compliant with the latest energy code by 2017.

Uncertain as to what it meant, I rang up Jeffrey P. Harris, vice president for programs with the Alliance to Save Energy based in D.C. (more…)

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