Global Warming

For one of my classes, we had a guest speaker, a Professor of Chemical Engineering. He was an eloquent man, and the leader in the country on alternative forms of fuels, specifically hydrogen cells. This seems to be the topic of discussion, especially since Bush spoke about hydrogen cell research in his State of the Union and Al Gore has been on a "Save the Planet" campaign. I don't really care for either politician but Thank God our leaders are saying something.

I am not one of those tree hugging environmentalists, even though, global warming scares me. I live in California and the summers seem to be getting increasingly warmer and the winter colder.

Global warming occurs when air pollution mixed with CO2 creates a sheet around the Earth, trapping the sun's heat, causing Earth to get scorch up. Our biggest problems are coal-burning facilities, primarily in the U.S. and the automobile industry. Let's not freak ourselves out here and pull a Thomas Malthus, we have the technology to create fuel efficient vehicles and implementing conservation in our daily lives. But the real problem is convincing leaders, decision makers and stalkholders that we need to put these alternatives to use.

Let's Throw Globalization into the picture:
China and India are up and coming industrial economies, following in the steps of US, meaning a potential gi-normous auto-dependent economy. 1 Billion plus in China+ 1 Billion plus in India should scare people. That is a 1/3 of our population, that has been using other forms of transportation before but with their increase in discretionary income, God help us if they buy cars. Sustainable transportation planning needs to be implemented in these countries, meaning public transit, and fuel efficient everything.

What is Happening Now:

*Melting glaciers.
*Rising sea levels.
*Warmer sea surface temperatures (causing intense hurricanes).
*Destroying habitats.
...to name a few.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye

*Speak up and Educate.
*Buy a Yaris or an Hydrogen vehicle.
*Maintain your vehicle, make sure it isn't smogging up the joint.
*Buy an energy-saving fridge (or any applicances).
*Buy compact fluorescent light bulbs.
...do research and find out more ways.


The U.S. is the number one producer of pollution.

Picture: The depleting Ozone Layer (NASA)