On April 17 the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) proposed a finding about the polluting effect of certain greenhouse gases. After years of scientific research it is concluded that gases like carbon dioxide are very likely to be the cause of increasing temperatures and other climate changes.
With about 300 million residents, the USA makes up less than 5% of the world population, which is estimated to be 6.75 billion. Still the U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are about 20% of the world's total, according to the last emissions inventory report of the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide keep the surface of the Earth warm enough to live on, but the now rapidly increasing amount in the atmosphere will probably cause harm for future generations. Although we can't turn back time, we can still try to reduce air pollution to create a healthier environment.
The E.P.A. was requested to research certain greenhouse gases by the U.S. Supreme Court two years ago, in hopes of a scientific discovery that would lead to political regulation of the emission of greenhouse gases. Now it's time for us to come to a collective acknowledgement that global warming is becoming a serious problem.
Although some processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have to be regulated by the government, we can individually contribute as well. It's clear that we need energy, but a lot of energy can be reduced by not wasting it.
According to politician turned environmental activist Al Gore's website, the most effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions starts at home. Energy use at home can be reduced by 30% with efficient use.
Leaving the lights, TV and computer on when you're not home is harmful when done on a large scale. Turning them off will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. A lot of energy can also be saved by running the dishwasher and washing machine only when it's full and drying your clothes in the air instead of using the dryer.
Japanese Green River student Mari Hosoi thinks vehicles are the biggest problem when it comes to the emission of carbon dioxide. "A lot of Americans drive old cars and trucks that use a lot of fuel," she says. "More people should drive hybrid cars."
Hosoi's statement is confirmed by EIA's last emissions inventory report, in which it is stated that almost one third of the carbon dioxide produced in the US comes from transportation. Buying a fuel efficient car would save you lots of gas, and thus polluting emissions. Al Gore suggests that more people should share rides.
Hosoi also thinks it would be good for America to recycle more. People could buy recycled paper products and throw their used paper in a paper recycle bin. Before Hosoi came to the US she was used to the habit of recycling all her waste. "Paper, plastic, everything has to be separated in Japan," she says.
At this point, the American government could make some changes to make recycling easier and more commonplace. National legislation could be passed for deposits on beverage containers. Lots of countries and some US states already made this a habit. For each sold beverage a deposit is collected, which the buyer gets back when he returns the empty bottle.
Individual efficiency in energy use will be significant in decreasing the pollution of greenhouse gases. Once you're using less energy you will also notice your energy bills going down. Hosoi's Japanese friend Chihiro Kanemanu says she doesn't really care about global warming. However, she does care about her money.
Saving money is what moves her to keep an eye on the energy use in her own apartment. Her aim is not to reduce greenhouse gases. But being thrifty can have a beneficial side effect to the environment. Whatever the aim, the effect is the same.
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