The Effects of Global Warming

July 3, 2010 | By In Global Warming | Comments(0)

When you hear about the effects of global warming it is important to understand that the effects we are experiencing today are moderate compared to what the future will see if we do not take preventative action. Over the next century researchers and environmental professionals are stating that the effects of global warming will continue on a constant inclined curve. Temperatures heating up a little bit each decade until the earth’s temperatures reach the sweltering levels that we experienced in history. Scientists believe that the earth’s temperatures will rise between 2-9 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050.

The Arctic and the earth’s northern latitudes will feel the most of the effects of global warming as they continue to escalate. As the Arctic packs and glaciers begin to melt from the increased temperatures the tundra and seas surrounding the areas will continue to absorb the warmth which was once reflected back into space. Climate models show that if temperatures throughout the rest of the world rise to 3 degrees Fahrenheit they will more than likely rise to at least 7 degrees Fahrenheit in the Arctic. From this the oceans throughout the world will become full with melting glaciers and ice from the Arctic likely to rise by at least 3ft.

As the temperatures continue to rise this will force the ocean to evaporate quicker and therefore more rainfall will be experienced. The problem with this effect is that the rainfall may hit areas of the world which do not need it at all causing massive floods and monsoons. Subtropical areas like India are expected to be the target of this particular effect of global warming. On the other hand it is safe to say that droughts are going to be more of a problem than flooding.

There are predictions that the future effects of global warming may have its benefits as well. In the northern part of the world such as Canada, the warmer temperatures will mean longer growing seasons and more rainfall. This of course then will put an end to any food shortage that may be occurring and provide a new sense of prosperity to countries throughout the world which have been struggling to survive.

Many of the changes and effects listed above are already taking place today on a smaller scale of course. Sea levels are rising due to thermal expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice. Amounts and patterns of precipitation are changing as well but only slightly in comparison to what has been predicted for the future. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns increase the frequency and intensity of other extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes.

Other effects of global warming include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, reduced summer stream flows and species extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, diseases like malaria are returning into areas where they have been extinguished earlier. This is only the beginning of the effects global warming can have on our earth. As the greenhouse gases continue to increase and enter the atmosphere these effects are only going to increase in severity making it harder and harder to maintain our quality of life.

Many people find it hard to believe that the effects of global warming can become as severe as scientists are predicting but the patterns support these theories. When you read studies comparing today’s weather to weather 20years ago there are already signs proving the effects of global warming. Pay attention to the weather today and the severe weather being reported from all over the world and you will begin to see the effects within your own life as well.

We can all do our part to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases within our atmosphere. No matter how small the act might be (saving electricity, conserving fuels, etc) every action makes a difference when we are all making these eco-smart decisions. There are no doubts that the effects of global warming are only going to persist and increase if we do not do something today. The fact is that even if greenhouse emission gases were completely eliminated today it will still take years to eliminate the threats of global warming. This is why it is so important to do what we can today!

Communication Manager for http://www.theglobalwarmingoverview.com. An unbiased platform about global warming and the environment. News, forum, debate, information to take educated action as a global environmental citizen.
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Composting Toilets And The California Water Shortage

March 6, 2010 | By Articles are the property of their respective Authors In environment | Comments(0)

For those who aren’t already aware, the state of California is in a water crisis. More than two thirds of the state’s water supply comes from the Sacramento Delta, an area poised for catastrophe when the next major earthquake hits. According to scientists, such an event isn’t just a possibility, but rather a probability, and they estimate that there’s a 75% chance of such an earthquake occurring before the year 2040. The problem is further complicated by an aging infrastructure, insufficient levies, droughts, and ecological concerns in the area.

All this begs the question, what can California residents do to ensure that there will be enough water in the coming years to support the needs of their growing population? While the state of California realizes that major steps must be taken to overhaul and revamp the Sacramento Delta area, state agencies are also campaigning to raise public awareness about the need for water conservation. Though conservation alone won’t solve the problem in its entirety, encouraging residents to use less water is one important piece of the puzzle.

One of the biggest sources of water waste in the average American home is the toilet. It’s estimated that approximately 25-30% of the average household’s water consumption is flushed down our toilets. If the state of California could conserve even a part of that water, multiplied across its millions of residents, the savings would be staggering. One possible solution to water savings in the bathroom are composting toilets.

Composting toilets have been around for decades in one form or another, all with the same basic goal-to convert human waste into compost, a harmless substance that looks and smells like ordinary garden soil. Like most products, composting toilets have moved through a product development life cycle that began with fairly primitive fixtures and has evolved into a very sophisticated and highly effective product. The modern composting toilet is not only 100% odorless, but it’s also easy to maintain and operate and is aesthetically pleasing in today’s residential bathrooms.

Composting toilet systems are not cheap. A single, self-contained unit retails around $1,500, or a large, whole-house system with toilets in multiple bathrooms can cost around $3,500. How can the state of California make it financially feasible for their residents to install these pricey fixtures in their homes? One possible solution is to subsidize the cost of the toilets with tax incentives. Many states offer tax breaks to homeowners who install high-efficiency windows, doors, and HVAC units, so why not offer a tax credit to homeowners who install approved composting toilet systems?

The state could gather an independent panel of plumbing and home repair experts to evaluate the various models of composting toilets on the market today, and identify one or more particular brands and a group of models within those brands that the state could deem to be “approved fixtures.” The state could even subsidize part of the tax credit offered to homeowners by cooperating with the manufacturers of those composting toilets. For example, for every tax credit the state of California gave to a homeowner who purchased a qualifying system, the state could then provide that same documentation to the composting toilet manufacturer to receive some credit or rebate on the sale, payable directly to the same funds that the tax credits come out of.

While this may seem fairly simplistic, the state of California has to start somewhere if they want to encourage water conservation on a large scale. Reducing residential water use by even 10-15% would make a huge difference in the state’s water situation, and composting toilets might be just the product to help them accomplish the task. For Californians, at least it’s worth some consideration.

For more information on compost toilets and other waterless toilet options, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/
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