Global Warming
Global Warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans due to the increase of greenhouse gas concentrations.  The Scientific consensus is that the sudden increase in temperature over the last 50 years is due to natural cycle that has been exacerbated by human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels including petroleum, coal and to a lesser extent natural gas. 

          THE PREDICTIONS

• Substantial sea level rise due to thermal expansion of the oceans as well as the melting of polar ice and glaciers resulting.

• Increased precipitation in the form of rain storms, snow storms, ice storms and hail storms.

• An increase of the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, tornadoes, floods, and heat waves.

• A quarter of the world's species will be on their way to extinction by the year 2050.

• Increases in the number of disease carrying insects and animals.

• Increases in the number and severity of wildfires.

• Reduction in agricultural yield.
      
  
  TODAY'S REALITIES

• The polar region as well as glaciers throughout the world are melting at an accelerated rate which has already submerged several populated as well as unpopulated islands due to sea level rise.

• Much of the world is already experiencing some of the worst drought conditions in centuries. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives due to heat waves just in the last 3 years. Since 1980, the earth has experienced 19 of its 20 hottest years on record, with 2005 and 1998 tied for the hottest and 2002 and 2003 coming in second and third, 2007 is now expected to be the hottest year in history. Some of the worst floods and tornadoes in history have caused hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage as well as substantial loss of live, again just in the last 3 years.

• More than 279 species of animals and plants are already responding to global warming. Many species' geographic locations have shifted toward the poles at an average rate of 4 miles per decade. The latest victim of impending extinction to hit the press are polar bears.

• The number of disease carrying mosquitoes are increasing as global warming allow them to survive in formerly inhospitable areas. Mosquitoes spread dengue fever virus were previously limited to a maximum elevation of approximately 3,300 feet but are now appearing at elevations as high as 7,200 feet in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. Malaria has been detected in new higher-elevation areas in Indonesia.

• In 2002, the Western United States experienced its second worst wildfire season in the last 50 years; more than 7 million acres burned. Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon had their worst seasons.

• Worldwide grain production has fallen short of meeting demand, six times out of the past seven years due to drought and heat conditions. In other parts of the world, extreme rain and flooding has destroyed millions of acres of crops.
   

What can be done ?
With the release of the 2007 IPCC report, the debate concerning global warming is over. The realities of global warming are just now beginning. Left unchecked, global warming will devastate life as we know it. The most severe predictions that have been made by scientists do not have to occur if we take action now. In this website you will find many suggestions on how you as an average consumer can pitch in to lower your carbon foot print.