Help our Earth- Reduce Global Warming.

Live Smartly!

By Zain Hyder Shah

Before coming to the main point, it is very much important to learn how we are the reason of the massive destructions on Earth. History defines that before industrial revolution the life of human beings and the life of other species on Earth were healthy and smart. 

Have we ever thought why the natural occurring disaster like flood and storm have increased? Why people die by heat stroke? I do not think many people among us were aware about the heat stroke before the deaths happened in Pakistan by heat wave in 2015. Let’s take a close look on this.

The Earth is a planet which is covered by a thin layer of atmosphere and the greenhouse gases. Because of the atmospheric layer the Earth varies its temperature. It can never be so much cold or so much hot. It is an eco-friendly environment where human beings and other species can live without facing atmospheric troubles. Yes but this theory was much more relevant before the rise of industrial revolution. Before 1800 the Earth sphere was covered with the green plants, glaciers and it was safe from pollution.

The industrial revolution made things easy here. But few of us are aware that how much destructive it became after 20th century. The rise of Greenhouse gases is the main reason behind the devastating increase of global warming. Now I will tell you how we are responsible to produce these gases which are the reason of global warming.

 According to the new research by scientists 87 percent emission of carbon dioxide come from burning of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and industrial process such as cement manufacturing. Human create majority of methane emission by intensive livestock farming, landfills waste and bio fuels. The main reason behind global warming is the emission of fluorinated gases namely (hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride) are almost created by the humans and are used in industrial processes. The HFCs are used inside home appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. Emission from these products are caused by gas leakage during the manufacturing process and if disposal of gas is not done properly then HFC continues to leak out of it. Deforestation is also a main reason behind the rise of global warming,

Since 2000, 15 top warmest year of Earth had been recorded. 2015 broke all the records by largest margins. If we continue living like we are, we can actually destroy our plant completely and our offspring will suffer by extremely harmful diseases. Scientists claimed the rise of greenhouse gases can completely shatter the lives on Earth by coming year of 2024, and it will be a dangerous place for us. You would probably be thinking how we can reduce it, here are some ways which can actually reduce the global warming.

 

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Buying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce waste. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. 

2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

Adding insulation to your walls and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower your heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home. Turn down the heat while you’re sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures moderate at all times. Install a programmable thermostat because setting it just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.

3. Replace Your Light Bulbs

Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. If every family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90 billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.

4. Drive Less and Drive Smart

Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms of exercise. Explore the York Region Transit system and check out options for carpooling to work or school.

When you do drive, make sure your car is running efficiently. For example, keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gas you save not only helps your budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products

Home appliances now come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs.

6. Use Less Hot Water

Set your water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is more than 15 years old. Buy low-flow shower heads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of carbon dioxide yearly. Wash your clothes in warm or cold water to reduce your use of hot water and the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon dioxide annually in most households.

7. Use the "Off" Switch

Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when you leave a room, and using only as much light as you need. And remember to turn off your television, stereo and computer when you're not using them. It’s also a good idea to turn off the water when you’re not using it. While brushing your teeth, shampooing the dog or washing your car, turn off the water until you actually need it for rinsing.

8. Plant a Tree         

If you have the means to plant a tree, start digging. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.

 

9. Get a Report Card from Your Utility Company

Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

10. Encourage Others to Conserve

Share information about recycling and energy conservation with your friends, neighbours and co-workers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies that are good for the environment.

                                               Help the Lives, Help our planet Earth!