While a handful of industry compensated skeptics disagree, the overwhelming majority of climate scientists are alarmed at the damage already being caused by climate change. For them the debate is over.  Meanwhile many in the public realm continue to debate the theory while the "permafrost" and glaciers melt. For an article on the U.S. industry's strategy to cloud public opinion see: www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/05/mckibben_introduction.html

Fortunately not all companies are so short sighted. Note that the CEO of British Petroleum John Browne recently said: "We can't ignore mounting scientific evidence on important issues such as climate change. The science may be provisional.  All science (by its very nature) is provisional. But if you see a risk you have to take precautionary action just as you would in any other aspect of business."

CORE worked with Aspen City Council to help Aspen join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign.  Out of the 153 cities and counties pledging to reduce green house gas emissions, just 70 of those have cut emissions by 20 million tons per year and are saving $500 million annually. Aspen has also just created an environmental program called the Canary Initiative to help stop global warming.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the leading greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Where does all of this carbon dioxide come from?  It accumulates in the earth's atmosphere largely as a result of burning fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. The typical American household is directly responsible for the production of 44,380 pounds of CO2 each year. That's about enough to fill two Goodyear blimps! This accumulation is trapping heat which is creating a myriad of problems.  Adding to the challenge is that most of the CO2 we put into the atmosphere will persist for a century. To view a diagram that describes the science of climate change see: www.grida.no/climate/vitalafrica/english/09.htm

Heating, lighting, and cooling our homes: Furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators and hot water heaters are the largest energy consumers in a typical home. Cooking stoves, TVs, dishwashers, washing machines, computers, and stereos consume smaller amounts of energy. But, it all adds up to about 23,380 pounds of carbon dioxide per year for a typical home.

Automobiles: The average car puts about 1 pound of carbon dioxide into the air for each mile it's driven. A typical American family drives about 21,000 miles each year, producing an equal number of pounds of carbon dioxide. (The exact number depends upon the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.)  

Visit Ben and Jerry's One Sweet Campaign to Fight Global Warming!

A Change of Climate - Action on the Grassroots Level

Global Climate Change Mitigation Can Start at Home - Randy Udall