Hi all,
Please do have a look!!!
Definition of Global Warming: Gradual increase in the earth's surface temperature.
Popular usage definition: Warming caused by human activity.
Technical term for this: Anthropogenic global warming.
Definition of Greenhouse Gas: A gas, like CO2, which traps the sun's heat.
Human causes: Carbon dioxide (CO2), e.g. exhaust from cars and power plants.
Natural causes: Some claim the sun is getting hotter.
What Causes Global Warming, human activity or the sun? The final answer is not in, but you can see the results so far. (1) Exhaust is clearly the source of CO2. (2) Everyone now agrees the earth is warming. (3) Decide for yourself if warming is better explained by CO2, or the sun's heat.
The Effects of Global Warming. We can see the long-term effects coming in the melting of polar ice and glaciers. But a powerful trend in Atlantic hurricane data indicates we can already see the impact. Katrina was partly the result of a normal weather cycle, but that cannot explain away stronger hurricanes world wide.
Can we Stop Global Warming?
It's too late for that, but we can slow it down and lessen its effects. CO2 does not last as long in the air as was once thought, so the big problem is slowing human use of fossil energy, especially coal. (Especially since CO2 goes into the ocean and destroys coral reefs.)
We don't need absolute scientific proof before we take precautions.
Quite a lot can be done rather cheaply. Here are the directions which look most promising at present.
First, energy is only about 5% of all costs.
Second, everyway of using less fossil fuel saves about $60/gallon.
Third, the market always leaves some low-hanging fruit.
HYBRID CARS. These still cost more than they save, but not too much, and lots of people like the idea of polluting less. We will eventually switch over almost completely and the sooner the better--there's lots of room for savings here.
NUCLEAR POWER. Nuclear power still has problems, but makes no C02. A high priority needs to be placed on solving the nuclear-waste problem.
PUMPING C02 UNDERGROUND. It seems incredible, but they do it all the time to force oil out of oil wells. US DOE has a big project to study this. It may turn out to be too expensive, but it is considered to be one of the best options by those in the know.
WIND POWER. ZFacts will be studying this option soon. It is nearly break-even but how much could be installed? Is 5% of total power realistic? Right now that seems very far off.
Please do have a look!!!
Definition of Global Warming: Gradual increase in the earth's surface temperature.
Popular usage definition: Warming caused by human activity.
Technical term for this: Anthropogenic global warming.
Definition of Greenhouse Gas: A gas, like CO2, which traps the sun's heat.
Human causes: Carbon dioxide (CO2), e.g. exhaust from cars and power plants.
Natural causes: Some claim the sun is getting hotter.
What Causes Global Warming, human activity or the sun? The final answer is not in, but you can see the results so far. (1) Exhaust is clearly the source of CO2. (2) Everyone now agrees the earth is warming. (3) Decide for yourself if warming is better explained by CO2, or the sun's heat.
The Effects of Global Warming. We can see the long-term effects coming in the melting of polar ice and glaciers. But a powerful trend in Atlantic hurricane data indicates we can already see the impact. Katrina was partly the result of a normal weather cycle, but that cannot explain away stronger hurricanes world wide.
Can we Stop Global Warming?
It's too late for that, but we can slow it down and lessen its effects. CO2 does not last as long in the air as was once thought, so the big problem is slowing human use of fossil energy, especially coal. (Especially since CO2 goes into the ocean and destroys coral reefs.)
We don't need absolute scientific proof before we take precautions.
Quite a lot can be done rather cheaply. Here are the directions which look most promising at present.
- Hybrid cars
- Nuclear power
- CO2 sequestration (pumping it back in the ground)
- Wind power
First, energy is only about 5% of all costs.
Second, everyway of using less fossil fuel saves about $60/gallon.
Third, the market always leaves some low-hanging fruit.
HYBRID CARS. These still cost more than they save, but not too much, and lots of people like the idea of polluting less. We will eventually switch over almost completely and the sooner the better--there's lots of room for savings here.
NUCLEAR POWER. Nuclear power still has problems, but makes no C02. A high priority needs to be placed on solving the nuclear-waste problem.
PUMPING C02 UNDERGROUND. It seems incredible, but they do it all the time to force oil out of oil wells. US DOE has a big project to study this. It may turn out to be too expensive, but it is considered to be one of the best options by those in the know.
WIND POWER. ZFacts will be studying this option soon. It is nearly break-even but how much could be installed? Is 5% of total power realistic? Right now that seems very far off.