Ten Things We Can Do to Reduce Global Warming

by Chuck Hall

With both the President and Congress considering legislation on the issue of global warming, many people are wondering exactly what we can do to minimize greenhouse gases. Here are a few proposals:

1. There are 2 billion cars in the world. In the U.S., the average fuel economy is 22 mpg. We have the technology to increase fuel economy to between 30 and 60 mpg. Automakers should consider offering a wider range of more fuel-efficient vehicles until zero-emissions vehicles can be designed and manufactured (see item 10).

2. Decrease car travel through using public transportation, telecommuting, biking or walking. The latter two choices have the added benefit of providing daily exercise.

3. Use energy-saving measures such as compact fluorescent lighting, energy-efficient appliances and added insulation to decrease energy consumption in all existing buildings by up to 25%. Design future buildings using green-building techniques to create no harmful emissions and to be as energy-efficient as possible. The new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification is a step in the right direction.

4. Stop clear-cutting our rainforests. Double the rate of new tree plantings. More trees mean less carbon dioxide. This is something anyone can do. All you need are a few seedlings and a place to plant them.

5. By using ‘conservation tillage’ techniques, soil erosion could be slowed or even stopped in many farms throughout the world. Less soil erosion means more plants. More plants means less carbon dioxide. Encouraging local and organic farming decreases transportation costs to and from distant markets (and therefore carbon emissions caused by the trucks used to transport produce) and eliminates pesticides from the atmosphere.

6. Switch to wind power wherever possible. The newer wind turbines can function in winds as little as 3-5 mph. Wind energy is totally emission-free. Also, once the turbine is paid for, the only cost for the electricity it generates is a little routine maintenance.

7. Increase use of solar power whenever possible. Prices continue to come down on solar panels and accessories, and city, state and federal governments offer many tax incentives for purchasing solar systems. Some banks are loosening lending criteria for purchasing home solar power systems.

8. As solar and wind power become more available, phase out coal-burning power plants. Set standards for efficiency and carbon emissions, and close down any plants that don’t live up to the standards.

9. Practice carbon dioxide sequestration at existing coal plants until they can be phased out as more solar and wind farms come online.

10. Develop zero-emissions vehicles, including hydrogen fuel-cell technology, plug-in electric vehicles that recharge overnight at home, and hybrids powered by renewable biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

We already have the technology to do many of the things on this list. All that is missing is public will. If any of these suggestions make sense to you, let your local members of Congress know by getting in touch with them!