What really bugs me (and perhaps this is the wrong thread) is the number of people that complain about wind turbines. The most easily captured source of green energy we have. There is a small town near me that has two wind Turbines, enough to power nearly the whole town. I know of industrial estates, one in Lowestoft for the English folk, that powers the estate. We have further wind turbines of the north norfolk coast and then there are others around the country. What is so difficult with wind turbines.

It is all a matter of education and that is down to governments, and our government is bad at that. To little to late.

We could move on from this a little, does anyone know what there carbon foot print is? Now that is altogether more difficult and how would you offset your carbon usage.

Your carbon footprint is made up of travel, by car, plane etc, energy use, size of property I think, what you purchase and how far that has travelled across the world.

Calculate your Carbon Footprint

Industry pay a carbon levy according to how much energy you use and there is carbon trading as well, which mean you some how buy unused carbon points from developing countries for instance Africa to offset your own carbon usage in this country.

Carbon Trust (UK)

My carbon footprint is horrible. 50,000 -100,000 miles a year flying some years...

I walk everywhere. I only drive to get to the ice arena on weekends...

but ice rinks...another bad addition to my environmental footprint...

I would get kicked off the bus with my smelly hockey bag. I am doing istanbul a favor by driving myself...

Ops clicked twice

Also did you know at least 1 in 10 children, and 1 in 20 adults have asthma, me being one of them

Asthma destroyed some of my dreams which is always annoying when thinking of if you didn't have it To make matters worse, Greenwhich the place I was born, is known as one of the worst effected polluted areas in London
But to say I am not part of the problem is not exactly right either, though I do my honest best to help the environment too.

For example, I used to walk to school (finshed school now). It was a 20 minute walk and I walked almost every single day - rain, snow (even severe downfalls), hot weather, the whole lot.
What bugged me most was that when it came to summer you would see more people walking to school and less cars but as soon as it gets a little cold or it rains even the slightest people use their cars and the roads are blocked.
Come on people a little rain never hurt no-one!

Also they say, if the pollution keeps up the way it is, the rate in people being diagnosed with asthma will increase by a dramatic ammount

I also walk everywhere or use the public subway to get to where I need too mainly, though like you others, flying is my worst effect.
Though I have to admit, I do turn lights off in the room I'm not in, having such a big family doesn't help the fact when everyone is in different rooms...and they are watching the same thing on different bloody T.V's!!!

But it's great to know you lot are helping too

I am always a bit puzzled about asthma. I can't believe it is caused by air pollution. It is obviously aggravated by it, but is it the cause?

I was a child of the 1970s and during that time the air pollution was far worse. However, at my school I knew of only one pupil with asthma. At that time it was very very rare.

Similarly even longer ago, during the 'smog' era, asthma was almost unheard of. As you say, it is increasing at an alarming rate (1 in 10 children have it now) Its very strange...

I had always thought it was genetic?

AStham is caused when desensitisation occurs and that can be anything that irritates the airways. Work related asthma, can be caused by desensitation to solder fumes for instance. Once desensitation occurs you can only relieve the symptoms by removing the cause.

Other cause of desensitation is household dust, bedmites, animal hairs, dust particles in the atmosphere and pollution can make the symptons worse.

Lots of research into the cause of asthma going on.

OH MY GOD!!
i came to TLC after so long and i saw this thread and liked the idea sooo very much and was so excited about it

but in the middle of the excitemenet i remembered that today is the 2nd of FEb and i already missed the whole thing
thats how silly i can get
that tops the president of the Worldbank story

paris went dark for 5 minutes...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6322589.stm

check it out...

http://www.cooltheglobe.com/index

Thanks for the wonderful links Gezbelle I hadn't checked the news - you made my night!

no worries aenigma!

also, check out the music video for the song "proper education" by eric prydz. i saw it a few weekends ago and it's so clever!

note: not that i condone breaking into people's homes

http://www.cooltheglobe.com/article?article=16

PROPER EDUCATION
Ministry of Sound

Thursday, 18 January 2007

The video for ‘Proper Education’ is now set to cause a sensation of another kind, as it focuses on climate change and the issues surrounding global warming. Set in a London estate, it features a gang of young people breaking into local flats, in order to switch appliances off standby, change light bulbs for energy efficient alternatives, place bricks in toilet cisterns, alongside a series of other energy saving measures.

“There was a lot of anticipation around this video and I was really keen to do something a bit different,” Prydz explains. “Pink Floyd would always use their videos to get a message across and I really wanted to carry on this spirit. I’d been reading so much in the press about climate change and global warming recently and felt it would be great to try and empower people to do something about it. It’s not making a grand statement. It’s just simply saying everyone can do a little and it will make a difference."

watch the video here http://www.cooltheglobe.com/propereducation

aenigma,
İf you have any,i need some links about the global warming in general.
İ checked this thread late,but its never too late to spread a word about it.
But i need some easy,simple essays to reach simple people,kids,some of those categories.
Maybe if i can post in some public places.
İf you have something like that,i would really appreciate it .

I would have loved to have been on top of One tree hill and seen how dark London went!

for those people that missed out on this action on feb 1st, rather than just switch off for 5 minutes, you can simply do something in your homes on a daily basis.

instead of just pushing the "off" button on electrical appliances, switch them all off at the power point when you aren't using them.

saves electricity, saves money, and less chance of fires starting

Thanks kai
İ checked them in a hurry now and they look really much helpful.
İ believe there was an agreement about the global warming in the UN,putting some rules.
But the biggest industrial countries refused to sign it,so this agreement project has failed.
Am i right,or have i mixed things up ?! :-S

do you mean the kyoto protocol?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyoto_Protocol

"In my view, climate change is the most severe problem that we are facing today -- more serious even than the threat of terrorism."

With this warning to an international science meeting in February 2004, David A. King, Chief Scientific Advisor to the British Government, brought the issue of global warming into sharp focus.

Blame for global warming placed firmly on humankind
Updated 12:28 02 February 2007
NewScientist.com news service
Catherine Brahic, Paris


The 2nd of February 2007 will one day hopefully be remembered as the day the question mark was removed from the debate on whether human activities are driving climate change, said the head of the UN Environment Programme at the launch of the most authoritative scientific report on climate change to date.

The new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report says there is 90% certainty that the burning of fossil fuels and other human activities are driving climate change.

“The word unequivocal is the key message of this report,” said Achim Steiner, executive director of UNEP, adding that those who have doubts about the role of humans in driving the climate “can no longer ignore the evidence”.

The IPCC report says the rise in global temperatures could be as high as 6.4°C by 2100. The report also predicts sea level rises and increases in hurricanes. It is the work of 1200 climate experts from 40 countries, who have spent six years reviewing all the available climate research. It was released in Paris, France, on Friday (read the 21-page summary here, pdf format). Listen to audio from today's press conference.

The last IPCC report, issued in 2001, predicted that temperatures would rise by 1.4°C to 5.8°C by 2100, relative to 1990 temperatures.

But the new report says temperature rises by 2100 could, in the most extreme scenarios, range from 1.1°C and 6.4°C. The most likely range is 1.8°C to 4.0°C (see figure 1, right), with the report predicting that 4°C is most likely if the world continues to burn fossil-fuels at the same rate (read the The impacts of rising global temperatures).

Melting, moving ice
Rises in sea levels are predicted by the new report, threatening low-lying areas of land around the world. As the oceans warm, their waters expand, while rising temperatures also increase the melting of the ice sheets that cover Greenland and Antarctica.

In 2001, the IPCC predicted that sea levels would rise by between 9 and 88 centimetres by 2100, relative to 1990 levels. The new report says rises could range from 18 cm to 59 cm. The top end of the range corresponds to a fossil-fuel intensive future (see A1F1 scenario in Modelling the future climate: the baseline scenarios).

But predictions of sea level rise are one of the most contentious areas of the report - very recent research has suggested that rises of up to 140 cm are possible (see Shorelines may be in greater peril than thought.

The problem is that the understanding of how warming affects Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets remains limited, and they are predicted to be the most important contributors to change. Estimates of the straightforward melting of ice are incorporated in the IPCC report. But warming may also accelerate the movement of ice in glaciers into the ocean, perhaps by meltwater lubricating the undersides of ice streams.

Susan Solomon, one of the report's lead authors, said there was no published research that quantified this effect, and so it was not included. But she added: “If temperatures exceed 1.9°C to 4.6°C above pre-industrial temperatures, and were to be sustained for thousands of years, eventually we would expect the Greenland ice sheet to melt. That would raise sea level by 7 metres.”

Climate change is also expected to affect the frequency and strength of tropical storms and hurricanes. The latest IPCC report says the activity of tropical cyclones is “likely” to increase over the 21st century. It says “likely” indicates a probability of more than 66%. This is a bolder statement than the World Meteorology Organisation issued in January.

Precipitation patterns will change too by 2100, according to IPCC predictions (see figure 2, right). Mid- to high-latitude regions will see up to 20% more rain and snow, while the tropical regions will see less.

Humans to blame
Considering the human role in causing climate change, the IPCC report is damning: "The understanding of [human] influences on climate has improved since the [2001] report, leading to a very high confidence that human activities" are responsible for most of the warming seen since 1950, says the report’s summary for policymakers. “Very high confidence” is described as “at least a 9 out of 10 chance of being correct”.

Before the industrial revolution, human greenhouse gas emissions were small, and the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas – was about 280 parts per million (ppm).

Thanks largely to the burning of fossil fuels and changes in land use, such as agricultural exploitation and deforestation, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide reached 379 ppm in 2005, says the IPCC.

Gold standard
The IPCC draws together the world's leading climate experts to review and assess all available research, under the auspices of UN Environment Programme and the World Meteorology Organization.

The result of their assessment, which is done every five to six years, establishes what is considered the gold standard of consensus on climate change science.

The latest IPCC report was written by hundreds of experts and reviewed by hundreds more, from 113 countries. It is being released in stages during 2007. The first chapter, released on Friday, deals with the scientific basis for climate change.

The next two parts of the IPCC's 2007 assessment, plus a synthesis, will be released throughout the year. Part 2, dealing with the impacts of climate change and our vulnerability to those impacts, will be released in April. Part 3, to be released in May, deals with how we might mitigate these impacts.

Check back for further updates and reaction from Paris during the day.

Climate Change - Want to know more about global warming – the science, impacts and political debate? Visit our continually updated special report.

TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP CURB GLOBAL WARMING

Responsible Choices

The choices we make and the products we buy test our commitment to maintain a healthy planet. When we burn fossil fuels—such as oil, coal, and natural gas—to run our cars and light our homes, we pump carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. This thickens the heat-trapping blanket that surrounds the planet, causing global warming.
Choosing modern technology can reduce our use of fossil fuels and help protect the planet. These ten steps will help curb global warming, save you money, and create a safer environment for the future.

1.Drive Smart!
A well-tuned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline—cutting pollution and saving you money at the pump. If you have two cars, drive the one with better gas mileage whenever possible. Better yet, skip the drive and take public transit, walk, or bicycle when you can.

2.Write your leaders now. Urge them to raise fuel economy standards to 40 miles per gallon.
Modern technology can make our cars and trucks go farther on a gallon of gas. It's the biggest single step we can take to curb global warming. The less gasoline we burn, the less CO2 we put into the air. Taking this step would also save nearly 4 million barrels of oil a day — more oil than we currently import from the Persian Gulf and could ever extract from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge combined. And by saving gas, you save nearly $2,000 at the pump over the life of your car.

3.Support clean, renewable energy.
Renewable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, can reduce our reliance on coal-burning power plants, the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States. Call your local utility and sign up for renewable energy. If they don't offer it, ask them why not?

4.Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Especially those that burn the longest each day. Compact fluorescents produce the same amount of light as normal bulbs, but use about a quarter of the electricity and last ten times as long. Each switch you make helps clean the air today, curb global warming, and save you money on your electricity bill.

5.Saving energy at home is good for the environment and for your wallet.
Start with caulking and weather-stripping on doorways and windows. Then adjust your thermostat and start saving. For each degree you lower your thermostat in the winter, you can cut your energy bills by 3 percent. Finally, ask your utility company to do a free energy audit of your home to show you how to save even more money.

6.Become a smart water consumer.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and you'll use half the water without decreasing performance. Then turn your hot water heater down to 120°F and see hot-water costs go down by as much as 50 percent.

7.Buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances.
Replacing an old refrigerator or an air conditioner with an energy-efficient model will save you money on your electricity bill and cut global warming pollution. Look for the Energy Star label on new appliances or visit their website at www.energystar.gov to find the most energy-efficient products.

8.Plant a Tree, protect a forest.
Protecting forests is a big step on the road to curbing global warming. Trees 'breathe in' carbon dioxide, but slash-and-burn farming practices, intensive livestock production, and logging have destroyed 90 percent of the native forests in the United States. And you can take action in your own backyard — planting shade trees around your house will absorb CO2, and slash your summer air-conditioning bills.

9.Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!
Producing new paper, glass, and metal products from recycled materials saves 70 to 90 percent of the energy and pollution, including CO2, that would result if the product came from virgin materials. Recycling a stack of newspapers only 4 feet high will save a good-sized tree. Please...buy recycled products!

10.Mount a local campaign against global warming.
Educate your community about how it can cut global warming pollution. Support measures at the national, state, and local level that:

.Make automobiles go further on a gallon of gas;
.Accelerate the use of clean, renewable energy sources,
such as solar and wind;
.Increase energy efficiency and conservation; and
Preserve forests around the world.




I think it is our responsibility to think about the future of this beautiful planet!

"Leading international politicians have reached a new agreement on tackling climate change, at a Washington summit.

Delegates agreed that developing countries will have to face targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions as well as rich countries.

The informal meeting also agreed that a global market should be formed to cap and trade carbon dioxide emissions.

The non-binding declaration is seen as vital in influencing a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol, correspondents say.

The forum's closing statement said man-made climate change was now "beyond doubt".

"Climate change is a global issue and there is an obligation on us all to take action, in line with our capabilities and historic responsibilities," said the statement from the Global Legislators Organisation for a Balanced Environment (Globe).

'Tipping point'

The two-day meeting brought together legislators from countries including the Group of Eight rich nations, plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.

The BBC's environment analyst Roger Harrabin was at the meeting and says that although the declaration carries no formal weight, it indicates a real change in mood.

The legislators agreed that developing countries had to face targets on greenhouse gas emissions, in the same way rich countries do.

They said they wanted a successor to the Kyoto Protocol - which expires in 2012 - in place by 2009.

US senator Joe Lieberman forecast that the US Congress would enact a law on cutting emissions by the end of next year, possibly this year.

And presidential candidate John McCain, who is co-sponsoring climate legislation with Mr Lieberman, was emphatic on the need for new initiatives.

"I am convinced that we have reached the tipping point and that the Congress of the United States will act, with the agreement of the administration," he told the forum.

But Dr John Holdren, the head of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), said President George W Bush needed to appreciate that the US economy would not suffer unnecessarily if emission were capped.

"The economic damage from not addressing climate change is much larger than the economic cost of addressing it," he said.

Meanwhile, the Canadian parliament moved to force the government to meet its Kyoto Protocol target for reducing emissions.

The ruling Conservative party argues that meeting the target, of reducing emissions by 6% from 1990 levels by the period 2008-2012, is impossible.

The parliamentary vote gives the government 60 days to formulate a plan for getting back on track.

With United Nations climate negotiations in November failing to agree a timetable for mandating new cuts in emissions when the current Kyoto targets expire in 2012, the British-led Globe set up the Washington meeting in the hope of stimulating progress in a less formal setting.

The UN's panel on climate change said earlier this month that higher global temperatures caused by man-made pollution would melt polar ice, worsen floods and droughts and cause more devastating storms".

BBC News, 16.02.2007

Its great that they are finally taking it seriously - about 50 years too late. I am sad to say that its too late. I still fight for change, but only becaues it will DELAY the effects.

We have a saying, "shutting the stable door AFTER the horse has bolted"

on a turkish channel today the news stated that sea levels have risen by around 7 metres..

EU environment ministers have agreed in principle to cut greenhouse emissions by 20% from 1990 levels by 2020.
The ministers, meeting in Brussels, also agreed to seek a 30% cut worldwide if matched by other developed nations.

The proposals, outlined by the European Commission in January, are seen as a key measure to curb climate change.

The EU must still decide how to make cuts, allowing for a possible compromise with member states opposed to mandatory targets.

Hungary and Poland, who joined the EU in 2004, are said to have opposed the cuts.

Finland has also reportedly voiced opposition to the Commission's targets.

But German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said his country was prepared to go further and cut emissions by 40%.

"There will be some countries like Germany that will see a steeper reduction in greenhouse gases," he said, quoted by the Associated Press news agency.

Struggle for consensus

On Sunday, environment ministers from the UK, Spain and Slovenia urged the 27-member block to endorse the 30% target.

The window of opportunity is closing rapidly and a strong EU voice is necessary

UK, Spanish and Slovenian environment ministers


Q&A: EU energy proposals
'Testing time' for EU policy

In an article for the BBC News website, they said that failure to act would threaten efforts to persuade nations such as the US and China to agree to cap emissions.

In January, Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas urged "the rest of the developed world to follow our lead, match our reductions and accelerate progress towards an international agreement on the global emission reductions".

However, international negotiations on the shape of the framework to replace the current Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012, have struggled to reach a consensus.

A number of nations have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of national emission limits.


BBC NEWS, published 2007/02/20

Austrialia has announced today that it is banning incandescant light bulbs for them to be replaced with low energy fluorescent bulbs over the next couple of years. This could cut green house gas emissions by 4 million tonnes by 2012.

Such a simple thing with a huge effect. I am glad to say that my house already has energy saving lights bulbs.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21309253-662,00.html#

Going green saves bucks

March 02, 2007 12:00am

AUSTRALIANS keen to save the planet can also save money by going green, environmental campaigners say.

Implementing a 10-step "carbon diet" can greatly reduce household greenhouse gas emissions and potentially save the average household about $2800.

Simple tips on how to achieve savings -- while helping fight climate change -- will be detailed on Sunday in an interactive television program supported by the Sunday Herald Sun.

The two-hour Network Ten show, Cool Aid: The National Carbon Test, will audit emissions from a range of homes and outline simple reduction strategies.

Founder of Sydney eco-business Todae, Danin Kahn, said with the range of sustainable living products expanding rapidly, households could save money while reducing emissions.

Operating online since 2003, Todae recently opened its first retail outlet in Sydney.

"Everything we've done has been based on customer enthusiasm," Mr Kahn said. "It's not been driven by the Government, but by people wanting to try things to make a difference."

Mr Kahn said the focus of Todae's products and services was to help people reduce their ecological footprint and, importantly, their carbon emissions in a way that didn't jeopardise their lifestyle.

Products range from household consumables such as for cleaning and body care, energy and water-saving devices, baby and fashion items, through to full solar and wind power installations to create electricity from renewable sources.

Cool Aid: The National Carbon Test, will be on at 8.30pm Sunday on Channel 10.

You can get your participation audit form in the Sunday Herald Sun this Sunday.