Ways That Global Warming Can Change the World

If you enjoy reading your local newspaper or if you enjoy getting your news from the television, you likely know all about global warming. Global warming is an issue that is widely discussed, as well as issue that is widely debated. Although you may have an idea as to what global warming is, you may be wondering the impact that it will have on our planet. If so, you will want to continue reading on. A few of the many ways that global warming can change the world, and not for the better, are outlined below.

One of the most well known and publicized dangers of global warming is that of drastic weather changes. Although it is important to know that global warming may result in erratic changes with the weather, you may be curious as to what type of changes you can expect to see. For starters, you can expect to see warmer temperatures. Since the earths temperature is gradually rising, you will also likely notice a rise in temperatures on the ground as well.

With that in mind, it is also important to remember that colder temperatures are not uncommon either with global warming. When it comes to global warning, the process is actually used to describe changes in weather patterns, not necessarily individual events. And, as previously stated global warming can result in erratic weather changes. This means that just because it snows or is chilly in the north, it doesnt mean that global warming is a lie or an untrue myth.

Returning back to weather, another one of the many ways that global warming can change the world is with flooding. It is said that global warming is causing a rise in sea level. Yes, this is true to some extent. Due to an increase in the earths temperature, many ice masses and glaciers are starting to shift and melt. This is what raises the sea level. If the sea level continues to rise as expected, flooding may have a huge negative consequence on the environment. If many coastal areas flood as predicted, this would make many coastal areas unlivable. This may result in a loss of money and property for those already residing in these areas.

In keeping with flooding, it is important to take a close look at all of the coastal areas in the world. If sea level were to continue rising and reach levels that are being predicted by many scientists, meteorologists, and computer models, millions of individuals would become coastal evacuees. Technically speaking, these individuals will become refugees. This is likely to cause a huge strain on the environment and land that wasnt impacted by global warming and flooding, as well as the economy.

Another one of the many ways that global warming may change the world, as long as everything goes as predicted, is with health and wellbeing. As previously stated, global warming will cause the weather, as well as temperatures to change. What does this mean? It means that many insects and other forms of wildlife will suffer from confusion. Many will migrate to areas farther north, south, east, or west, depending on the location. Many of these animals, such as mosquitoes and mice, are known as disease carriers. In this aspect, global warming can cause an unprecedented spread of illness. This can be dangerous especially if the diseases spread were previously unfamiliar to the area.

The above mentioned ways are just a few of the many ways that global warming can change the world. Unfortunately, as previously stated, there is little good that global warming can do for us, the weather, the economy, and the planet in general, especially overtime. For that reason, if you would like to help prevent global warming from becoming a crisis, both now and in the future, you will want to do your part. You can start by limiting the amount of unnecessary energy you use in your home. The good news is that this approach will also help to lower your electric bill.

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Transportation and Its Impact on Global Warming

Transportation is important to the lives of many individuals, not just Americas. Many commuters rely on the road to get them to and from work, to travel on vacation, to run weekly errands, as well as to make it to important appointments. Unfortunately, we are starting to learn just how much of an impact our reliance on transportation costs. This is most evident in global warming.

When it comes to global warming, you will find that it is defined as the rise in the earths temperature, due to the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases. Although all of the vehicles on the road does have a negative impact on global warming and the environment, it is not the sole cause. With that in mind, transportation is an issue that should be discussed. It has been said that each car that is taken off the road can reduce carbon emissions by as much as seven to eight hundred pounds!

Although there is proof that our vehicles have a negative impact on the planet, most of us keep on driving, as if there were nothing wrong. Why is this so? It is largely due in part to a popular misconception. Unfortunately, many drivers believe that they have to completely give up their vehicles or buy a new, energy efficient one. Of course, these methods are the best ways to go about reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that enters into the earths atmosphere, but it is important to remember that these two options are not your only.

As previously stated, you do not have to completely give up your vehicle to help in the fight against global warming. What you will want to do, however, is limit your uses. Are you able to carpool or use public transportation? Is your workplace within walking distance? If it is, you may want to leave your vehicle in your driveway. With that in mind, be sure to remember that you do not have to completely give up your vehicle. For instance, you may need to drive yourself to and from the supermarket. If so, try and invite a friend along or carpool with another family member. Also, limit your shopping trips and get as much as you can all in one trip. These are all steps that can help.

In keeping with using your vehicle, it advised that you get your vehicle checked. Does your cars air filter need to be changed? Are your tires properly inflated? Did you know that these two simple things can save you money, while helping to stop the affects of global warming? They can. In fact, many experts suggest that you change your cars air filter once a month. As for your car tires, keeping your tires properly inflated at all times can help to get you better gas mileage, as well as lessen the amount of pollutants that come from your vehicle.

As previously stated, one of the best ways to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from your vehicle is to upgrade. If you are driving an older model, you may want to consider upgrading. There are a number of affordable energy efficient vehicles and hybrids available for you to choose from. Even if you are unsure as to whether or not a new car is in your budget, you may still want to take a look at what is available. Many consumers are actually surprised with the affordability of many hybrids and other energy efficient vehicles.

As a reminder, you are urged to do your part to help limit the amount of carbon dioxide that enters the earths atmosphere from your own vehicles. With that in mind, its important to remember that you do not have to go completely green, which is a term used to commonly define global warming activists. Every step that you take to help in the fight against global warming, no matter how large or small, is likely to help.

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Climate Change Made Easy

When scientists become political–even with the best of intentions–the result is sloppy science. That appears to be the case with the ongoing saga of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has been embroiled in controversy around email leaks. The group does not conduct its own research but filters the work of researchers around the world.

Now, according to the WSJ, the IPCC is working to heal the bruises on its tarnished image, to smooth over the negative effects of inside dialog such as this:

As climate change gained public attention in recent decades, some IPCC-affiliated scientists privately expressed concerns that conclusions were risked getting oversimplified. Keith Briffa, a climate scientist at East Anglia, expressed this worry in emails to colleagues in 1999, as work intensified on the IPCC’s third major report, published in 2001. Mr. Briffa’s particular concern: tree rings.

Scientists use tree rings and other proxies to assess temperatures thousands of years ago, before thermometers existed. Wider rings indicate greater growth, generally suggesting warmer temperatures, or higher precipitation, or both. Mr. Briffa pioneered the technique.

“I know there is pressure to present a nice tidy story as regards ‘apparent unprecedented warming in a thousand years or more,’ ” he wrote to other researchers in the email, among those hacked at East Anglia. “In reality the situation is not quite so simple,” Mr. Briffa wrote.

Transportation Issues and Global Warming

There is great concern over the greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles that contribute to global warming. Transportation has become a major issue. New fuels, new cars, and new types of communities are being discussed as solutions.

Gasoline-burning cars are a major contributor to global warming. In fact, they are the second largest cause of global warming pollution in the United States. It would be beneficial if the cars could be more efficient. If they could burn cleaner fuels, it would even be better.

It is predicted that Americans will continue to put gasoline-burning cars on the road at alarming rates over the next twenty years. The number estimated is around 300 million new cars. With this expectation, it is clear that cars should be made with energy efficiency in mind. Otherwise, they will cause extensive global warming.

Hybrid engines are being touted by many celebrities as a way to prevent global warming. Many celebrities prefer the Prius hybrid car. These hybrid cars do, in fact, double gas mileage. At the same time, they reduce harmful emissions that lead to global warming.

Future technologies for cars, such as fuel cells, may ease global warming even more. Fuel cells change hydrogen fuel and oxygen into electricity. Then, the electricity is used to run the vehicle. This technology has already been used by NASA and is projected to help ease global warming in the future.

Alternate fuels have been in the news for helping with reducing global warming as well. One of the most interesting fuels is bio-diesel. This type of fuel can be made from a variety of sources. Vegetable oils such as soybean and rapeseed oils have been used successfully in regular diesel vehicles.

Animal fats work, but are rarely used because they are too expensive. However, used oil from fast food restaurants can be employed to do the same thing. It is surprising that global warming can be slowed down by the use of fast food by-products.

Ethanol is being used in many countries, now including the US, to decrease pollution and dependence on foreign oil. Global warming is impacted, too. Brazil, which uses ethanol almost exclusively, makes the fuel from sugar cane. In the US, corn is the chief source of ethanol.

Some cars are flex-fuel cars which can be run on different fuel sources. They can use alcohol, gasoline, or a combination. E85 is mostly ethanol with 15% of the fuel being gasoline. This fuel performs a little better than pure ethanol, but is more conducive to cutting down on global warming than gasoline.

Another way global warming can be addressed through transportation issues is in community planning. Communities can be built so that people can spend more time walking or cycling than driving. This cuts down dramatically on greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reducing global warming.

The world, especially the US, can make some changes in the way they move about and transport their goods. If people do nothing, greenhouse gasses will surely increase drastically. However, if changes are made, global warming will be cut to a very large degree.

The Global Warming Debate

As you likely already know, global warming is an issue that is largely discussed and debated, all around the world. No matter where you look, you will always find environmentalists who want you and others to join in the fight against global warming. On the other hand, you also find those who encourage you to ignore global warming, as it not a serious issue, if it even exists at all.

When it comes to the big global warming debate, you may be wondering who is doing the debating. In all honesty, you will find that it is a wide range of people. While most scientists and meteorologists agree that global warming is a cause for concern, not all do. In addition to a few well known meteorologists and scientists, there are many political figures and even some celebrities who voice their opposition to global warming, namely global warming support groups.

In keeping with those behind the opposition of global warming, you may be wondering if they have ulterior motives. Of course, some do. In fact, in Al Gores documentary on global warming, titled An Inconvenient Truth, he highlighted and showed documentation of the actions taken by many politicians and those with stocks in energy companies who opposed global warming. In some instances, these individuals knowingly disregarded scientific evidence and sugarcoated global warming, so that it didnt seem like an important issue at the time.

As for the global warming debate itself, you will find that there are some variations. For example, many of those who oppose global warming and downplay the severity of it claim the changes that we are seeing are not unexpected. Many have believed that polar icecaps would melt anyways, a slight rise in the earths temperature isnt that unexpected, and sea levels have been rising slightly for years now.

In keeping with those who believe that the changes we are seeing would occur anyways, there are others who are concerned with taking action. One of the biggest ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce pollution in the air. Many political figures and other environmentalists want homeowners and business owners to use less energy and switch to environmental friendly electricity, like wind or solar powered electricity. Those who oppose global warming feel that this could have a negative impact on businesses who oppose or cannot afford these changes. If this is the case, many claim that the harm caused to the economy would be much worse than what global warming would or could do.

There are also those who oppose global warming because they view it as a scam. These are individuals who often believe that there is nothing wrong with the planet and the environment, unlike some of the opposition mentioned above, who do often acknowledge something is wrong, but they just dont know what. Those who believe global warming is a scam claim it is used to raise money for environmental organizations and groups. Yes, these groups do ask for donations, but they arent required. There are an unlimited number of ways that you can fight global warming without donations; therefore, this opposition is often viewed as unrealistic and unreliable.

Although every American is able to have their own views and beliefs, the debate surrounding global warming does have a number of consequences. Perhaps, the greatest consequence is confusion, as many Americans do not know who they should believe.

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The Fight Against Global Warming: Start in Your Home

The Fight Against Global Warming: Start in Your Home

Are you concerned with global warming? If you are, you are definitely not alone. As more political figures, scientists, and celebrities voice their concerns about global warming, more Americans are beginning to take notice.

Although global warming is an issue that is widely debated, it is an issue that still causes concern. For example, the predictions state that the weather will become more erratic in the future. We may experience horrific coastal flooding and drought will become a big concern. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and this strong storm is not one that we will ever forget. In the summer and fall of 2007, southern states, such as Georgia and Tennessee experienced life changing drought conditions, which resulted in the strict enforcement of water bans and water restrictions.

Even if you do not officially believe or support global warming, you may still be concerned with the changes that you are seeing. The good news is that there are a large number of ways that you can help. If you are interested in doing your part to help stop or lessen the impact of global warming or even just improve the environment, you will first want to start in your own home.

Since carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are a big cause of global warming or at least the rise in the earths temperature in general, we need to limit these emissions from our home. One of the biggest ways to do so is to turn down your heat. Even a few degrees can make a huge difference with the toxins that are emitted from our homes. Simply put on a sweatshirt or invest in a thermostat with a programmable timer. A programmable timer will enable your homes temperature to be low when you are not there, but you can set it to turn your heat on right before you arrive home from work!

In keeping with your heat, it may also be a good idea to have your home updated or at least inspected by a professional. Many individuals have no idea how much heat escapes from their home. This is most often the case with poor insulation and broken windows. If it seems that your house cannot get warm, no matter how high the heat is, you likely have a problem. This problem is one that you should fix. Although it will cost you money to reinsulated your home or to repair your windows, these repairs may be able to pay for themselves overtime, due to a reduction in heating costs.

It is also important to examine your electricity use. The less electricity you use, the better it will be for the environment. In fact, did you know that by reducing your electricity use, you can not only help to save the environment and combat global warming, but you can also save yourself a considerable amount of money each year? You can. Ways that you can reduce electricity in your home include switching all or most of the light bulbs in your home to energy efficient ones, using energy efficient appliances, as well as making sure that all lights and appliances are turned off when they are not in use.

Other additional ways that you can help to stop the affects of global warming and help the environment in general involves limiting your dishwasher use and putting a hot water heater blanket on your heater. Hot water heater blankets are affordably priced and they are designed to keep your heater insulated. When properly used, hot water heater blankets can enable you to lower the temperature. This can also save you time, as well as reduce the emissions from your home. As for your dishwasher, only run it when you have a full load and hand wash any dishes that you may need right away. This simple step can also help to save you money, especially overtime.

The above mentioned steps are just a few of the many that you can take to join the fight against global warming. While it is important to remember that our homes are not the only cause of carbon dioxide emissions, we must all start somewhere. What better place then inside our homes?

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The Dangers of Global Warming

If you use the internet, watch television, or listen to the radio, you may already be familiar with global warming. Global warming is an important issue that is widely discussed and debated, all around the world.

Global warming is a phrase that is used to describe the increase in the earths temperature. This rise in temperature is attributed to an increase in greenhouse gases. As important as it is to know that global warming is, it is also important to know the dangers that surround it. After all, many Americans will not take steps to combat global warming unless they know for sure that it is real and poses a serious threat.

As for the threat that global warming poses, you will find that there is likely to be an increased risk of diseases and illnesses. This is because mice, insects, and other rodents will be able to notice a change in the environment, namely their local temperatures and surroundings. This will likely cause many to migrate to areas that may have previously been deemed uninhabitable. After all, why wouldnt they move, especially if the weather conditions were perfect for doing so? Unfortunately, this is likely to lead to a spread of disease. Although most of these diseases will be treatable, it may cause concern, especially when diseases and other health related issues impact areas previously left untouched.

Coastal flood is another one of the many dangers that can and will likely be associated with global warming. Although we are noticing an increase in sea level right now, coastal flooding isnt likely to be a significant problem for a few years now, but that still doesnt mean that it should be ignored or pushed to the side. Global warming is playing a role in the melting of glaciers, snow and other ice masses. This melting will cause a significant rise in sea level overtime; thus leading to coastal flooding. If the costal flood is as bad as anticipated by many scientists and computer weather models, there is a good chance that billions of individuals will be displaced, all around the globe.

In addition to the melting of glaciers and other large ice and snow masses, many locations will likely receive smaller amounts of snow and ice during the wintertime, if they even do receive any at all. This may have an impact on the activities that humans are able to participate in and it may have a significant impact on the economy, both locally and nationally. Of course, it is important to remember that global warming not only causes the temperature to rise, but it also causes erratic weather. So, it is common for one area of the world to receive little to no snowfall, while another area, at the same time, may be buried under two feet of snow.

As previously stated, coastal flooding is one of the many dangers associated with global warming. With that in mind, so are droughts. In areas on unaffected by coastal flooding and in areas where the temperature continues to rise, rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds are likely to dry up and possibly at an even quicker rate of speed. Severe and widespread droughts and water shortages can have a huge negative impact on our way of life and economy. Farmers rely on water to grow their crops and humans rely on water, as well as a farmers crops to survive.

Perhaps, the most horrific danger that may result from global warming is the panic that will likely set in. How would you feel or react if you one day saw your costal home flood? If you were lucky enough to survive the flood or if you lived farther inland, you may still have your home, but a drought may result in a shortage of food and water. How you would react to news that diseases previously not seen in your area were invading it? There was a good chance that panic would set in almost immediately. If global warming cases the changes that are being predicted, such as the ones outlined above, widespread panic is almost a certainty.

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Simon Makes $10 Billion Bid for General Growth

Guest post from David Bodamer, editor-in-chief, Retail Traffic Magazine

Simon Property Group via a press release made public this morning that just more than a week ago it submitted a formal bid to acquire General Growth Properties for about $10 billion.

General Growth has not yet responded to the release. All indications are that General Growth would like to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as an independent entity. To date it has been extremely successful in restructuring its secured debt. It still, however, has about about $6 billion in unsecured debt that must be restructured. A big chunk of that is believed to be owned by Simon Property Group with Canadian REIT Brookfield Asset Management Inc. owning another big piece of that debt. As unsecured creditors, both firms have the a great deal of power over the fate of the bankrupt entity and can end up owning most of the company in the event of a debt-for-equity swap. In addition, holders of unsecured debt will get to vote when General Growth’s plan for exiting bankruptcy is presented to creditors. For its part, General Growth recently sought to extend the exclusivity period for the filing of its reorganization plan by six months, until the end of August, in part to deal with this debt.

Simon’s offer says that General Growth’s shareholders would get $9.00 per share in the deal. That’s actually lower than where General Growth’s stock is trading in the OTC markets. Indeed, with this announcement the stock will probably jump even higher. Pre-market activity has the stock at $10.60 and counting.

It appears Simon’s play here is to offer unsecured creditors 100 cents on the dollar for the debt they own rather than face any reduction in that amount that General Growth might seek as it continues with its restructuring.

The full text of Simon’s release is below: (more…)

The Affects of Global Warming

With all of the press and celebrity attention that surrounds global warming, there is a good chance that you are at least relatively familiar with this widely debated issue. Yes, you may know that the earths temperature is rising and you may even know that rise is due to toxins, but do you know the affects that global warming can have on our planet, the economy, and human life in general?

When it comes to global warming, there are many individuals who choose to believe that it is simply a myth or an untrue theory. This is mostly due in part to the affects of global warming. We arent currently seeing the horrific consequences that many predictions call for. With that in mind, it is important to remember that many of us will not notice a lot of changes in our weather or our environment right away. We will notice some, but many of the affects of global warming will not be seen for years to come.

As for the affects of global warming that we notice right now, we are beginning to see stronger storms. Of course, we will never forget Hurricane Katrina and the impacts it had on the Gulf Course or even the whole country for that matter. We are also noticing an increase in stronger thunderstorms and more devastating tornados. Although stronger storms may be related to global warming, many are curious as to the numbers. Yes, these storms, especially hurricanes, are decreasing in numbers, but when they do hit, many are causing more damage than ever before.

Another affect of global warming that we are noticing now is the melting of icecaps and other glaciers. While this melting is something that has always been predicted, it is happening at a much faster rate than expected. Many computer models predicted that the melting we are currently seeing today wouldnt happen for at least five more years.

Droughts are another affect of global warming that many are experiencing firsthand. In the summer and early fall of 2007, many southern states, in the United States, such as Tennessee and Georgia, experienced horrific drought conditions. In fact, these conditions are still currently a problem. Even with water restrictions and bans, many cities, towns, and counties were concerned with the drought and their current state of having water. In fact, many feel that they will run out of water supply soon if a solution is not found.

As for the future affects of global warming, we are likely to see a change in sea and wildlife. In fact, we are starting to notice a few changes now. This is most commonly seen with polar bears and the melting icecaps. Many are finding it difficult to get food, as there is less ice for them to rely on. In the future, many scientists and wildlife experts predict that polar bears will become extinct in certain areas of the world. Until that point in time, we likely notice changes in the ways that polar bears and other animals hunt for food.

Flooding is also a major concern with global warming. To many, however, flooding seems a bit ironic, especially with doubts listed as a global warming affect above. When it comes to flooding, coastal areas are the ones that will see the changes. The flooding predicted is likely to leave many coastal areas unlivable. The rise in waters along many coastal areas is due in part to a combination of factors, including warming temperatures, the expansion of water, as well as the melting of glaciers and icecaps.

As previously stated, it is important to remember that global warming and the affects it can and will likely have on the earth will come in stages. Just because you may not notice significant changes in our weather patterns or the economy right now, it does not mean that global warming does not exist or that it is an issue that we shouldnt worry about. The good news is that these slow moving stages may give us more time to stop global warming or at least lessen its impact.

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The US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement on Global Warming

When the dust settled on February 16, 2005, 141 countries had ratified the Kyoto Protocol and put it into effect. The United States was not one of those countries who saw fit to join together to stop global warming. Many citizens were disappointed, but one US Mayor decided to do something about it.

Mayor Greg Nickels was serving his second term in Seattle when the Kyoto Protocol went into effect. He was concerned that the US should do something, and, failing that, that he should do what he could. He devised a plan to enlist other US Mayors to make the changes that were needed to reduce global warming.

Mayor Nickels sent out a challenge to mayors across the country urging them to start implementing the changes that the Kyoto Protocol demanded of its member nations. The idea was that if a grassroots network could be built to prevent global warming, it would essentially do the same job that the government was shirking by not ratifying the Kyoto agreement.

A letter and an endorsement agreement were sent out. Mayors across the country had the chance to accept entrance into this group. The letter was sent out on March 30, 2005, and the acceptances soon started pouring in. Mayors, it seemed, did want to do something about global warming.

By June 13th of that year, the US Conference of Mayors met to discuss the agreement. It was passed as the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement on that date. However, the group did not close then. More mayors around the country continued, and still continue, to sign this agreement. Mayor Nickels has made a huge impact on the global warming prevention efforts of cities.

Mayor Nickels first thought of the agreement because of the United States’ contributions to the problem of global warming. The US greenhouse gas emissions make up 25% of those in the entire world. Yet, the population is nowhere near 25% of the world’s population. Mayor Nickels was outraged because he thought that the US could be such a large part of the problem and not want to be a part of the solution to global warming.

The goals of the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement were based on the Kyoto Protocol. They planned to meet the Kyoto goal of 7% less greenhouse gas emissions than 1990 by 2012. Just as the Kyoto Treaty was ratified with 141 member nations, the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement had a goal of signing up 141 mayors in their first year. The number was more like 500 cities by mid-2007.

A part of the agreement is that each mayor should speak on behalf of global warming prevention to members of the government, including local, state, and federal government leaders. Another part of the plan is to make sure people have up-to-date information on global warming.

Sometimes, it is amazing what one person can do. What is even more amazing is how people from all over a large nation such as the US can come together for a single purpose. With cooperation like this, there will be great strides in preventing global warming.

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