The increase in the earth’s average temperature is known as global warming. Some scientists believe that the rise in temperature is due to an increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. According to these scientists, climate change will result in a wide range of environmental issues, including a decrease in the amount of ice on land and at sea, a longer growing season for plants, and arctic animals migrating to cooler areas. Some of these Arctic creatures may become extinct. Individuals, companies, and countries can use climate solutions to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and thus halt global warming.
On a personal level, many climate solutions are simple to implement. Individuals, for example, can simply check the tire pressure in their vehicles. Tires that are not properly inflated require more power to rotate and, as a result, consume more gas. People can also replace their light bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs in their homes. These light bulbs last two times as long as traditional light bulbs and use significantly less energy. Despite the fact that ENERGY STAR® was created in the United States, the program has many international partners, including Canada, New Zealand, Taiwan, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and the European Union.
Some climate solutions are as simple as individual decisions made while doing their weekly grocery shopping. Purchasing organic foods, for example, can help to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere because pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers are not used. Furthermore, a Rodale Institute study found that organic soil absorbed more carbon from the atmosphere than non-organic soil. Glomalin, a microbe found in organic soil, helps to keep carbon in the soil and out of the atmosphere.
Companies can participate in climate solutions as well. They could, for example, invest in energy-efficient equipment and install motion-activated office lighting. Furthermore, businesses can use paper sparingly. Simply by using recycled paper, a company could avoid emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
One of the most intriguing climate solutions involves a company’s dress code. Relaxed dress codes, in particular, can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Offices can set the thermostat a little higher during the summer months by allowing employees to wear short-sleeve shirts instead of suits.
Many people consider global warming to be a global problem, so many countries around the world are working on climate solutions. The United Kingdom, for example, has implemented measures such as the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation, which mandates that at least 5% of gasoline and diesel be biofuel. They also have a Climate Change Levy, which was established to encourage businesses to become more efficient by taxing their energy bills by about 15%.
Dongtan, a Chinese town, represents a new type of city that is entirely focused on climate solutions. The town will be built on one of China’s islands and will have a population of 10,000 people at first. Residents will only be able to drive hybrid cars or ride bicycles on the island’s network of bike paths. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind will power the homes and businesses. Furthermore, more than half of the island will be farmland, reducing the need for food transportation.