I was alarmed recently by a news story about the melting of polar ice and the impact this could have on the world’s oceans and weather patterns. So I did a little internet research, and got even more alarmed.http://www.cbc.ca/story/science/national/2006/02/15/sea-ice060215.html
This phenomenon is being blamed on global warming. 2005 was the warmest year on record. Ocean temperatures were also the highest ever recorded. Greenhouse gases and the melting of the polar ice cap are primarily to blame. Warmer ocean temperatures mean larger, more destructive hurricanes.
With every month that passes, we're given increasing information to motivate us, to embrace renewable energy. Here are three of those compelling reasons:
-Americans use 30% of the world's oil supply yet only 2% of that comes from our own soil. By embracing renewable energy, we can significantly reduce our dependency on foreign oil.
-Renewable energy and conservation projects create 300% more jobs than the construction and operation of new traditional power plants of equal costs.
-With every mile that we drive our gasoline powered cars, we send 1 pound of CO2 into the atmosphere.
We need to reduce our 'ecological footprint' which is the measurement of what we consume and the 'footprint' it leaves on the earth.
Americans make up only 4% of the World's population yet we consume nearly 26% of its resources. Americans spend more annually on the purchase of garbage bags than the combined GDP of 90 of the World's developing nations.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe in balance – I’m not an environmental activist. But I also believe that we have a moral obligation to do everything we can to reduce our own ‘ecological footprint.’
Scientist have determined that by the end of the century there will be no more ice on the North Pole. Sea levels will rise. Some species will become extinct. I believe it’s time for all of us to take a serious look at our own excess and do everything we can to preserve our planet for our children and future generations.
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1 comment:
This is an interesting topic that sees a lot of scientists on both sides of the issue. Certainly, if this is true, we would be unwise to ignore it. The use of oil as energy relates to the inexpensive cost. We haven't found a cheaper way to operate. If a less expensive energy source, existed, we would be using it. I'm not saying you don't already know this, southern breeze, but in a capitalistic society the market controls the economy. That's why people still shop at Walmart despite the huge propaganda campaing against them by the unions.
The best way to stop oil consumption would be to develop a cheaper energy source. What would lead to that is more freedom. Innovation suffers with more government regulation.
Besides what you have said, we have other obvious reasons to find alternative energy, including cutting our ties with Middle Eastern oil. We would all be safer if the funding of terrorists dried up physically and metaphorically.
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