Climate wake up calls?

More info from the 21 October 2004 column

Climate wake up calls?

Global warming, global climate change, climate disruption, greenhouse effect—whatever you call it, it's on everyone's mind. In the late 80's it was just a scary theory: the delicate natural balance that kept the earth's temperature stable for millions of years is being disrupted by an increase in CO₂ and other greenhouse gases caused by the emissions from our cars and power plants and by deforestation. Disturbingly, over the years, more and more scientists examining mounting evidence are becoming increasingly convinced that we have a real problem on our hands. We've been getting a series of alarms over the years that, taken together, might mean it’s time to wake up and take serious action.

Ringggg...Record setting heat

In the mid 80's scientists noticed that the warmest temperatures on record had occurred in the past decade.

Ring, Ringggg...Ice caps melting

Based on new research using NASA's airborne laser altimeter, scientists have identified pronounced thinning of Greenland's ice cap. A NASA study of Greenland's ice sheet reveals that it is rapidly thinning.

Ring, Ring, Ringgg...Increased hurricane activity

While most scientists discount the role of global warming in this year’s heavy hurricane season, many say rising temperatures could eventually lead to more intense hurricanes, with stronger winds and heavier rain and the devastation experienced by Florida this year could become more common.

Time to wake up

Over the past 50 or so years, the amount of CO₂ has been increasing by an average of 1.5 parts per million each year. That’s bad enough, but recent measurements have shown that in 2002 and 2003 the increase was more than 2 parts per million—evidence that we are going in the wrong direction even faster.

In doing your own research, be careful of some corporate funded organizations which intentionally mislead against the evidence of global warming, mostly for economic reasons. Their information is worth reading but be aware that these organizations exclusively promote a few scientists who argue against the general consensus and disregard the interpretations of the vast majority of scientists.

While scientists may differ on their interpretations of complex scientific analyses, one thing they all agree on is that CO₂ levels are indeed rising. Most accept that this is largely caused by human activity and that these increased levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere will have some type of disruptive effect on the ecosystem’s natural balances. So, the prudent thing would be to use our human ingenuity to reduce the amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases we produce.

What is being done?

While the current U.S. administration has failed to take any significant steps to address climate change—despite the fact that our country accounts for 25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions—a number of states have decided to take action. For example, our state released its climate protection plan this past summer outlining specific recommendations for how municipalities and towns can help to reduce their own GHG emissions. Further, the New England Governor’s Conference together with the Eastern Canadian Premiers issued a Climate Change Action Plan in 2002. Also, the Northeast states are involved in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) which is working to develop a market-based trading system for CO₂.

In the next few weeks, the U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the Climate Stewardship Act (S.139). Introduced by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), this bill calls for reducing U.S. emissions of greenhouse gases and encourages an increase in energy efficiency and clean renewable electricity generation.

Here in Lexington the Energy Efficiency Committee is working to reduce energy waste which helps the environment and saves taxpayer money.

What can we do?

As a town, Lexington can join our neighbors, Arlington, Medford, Somerville, Newton, Brookline and many others, in signing up with Cities for Climate Protection and, with their assistance, work toward reducing greenhouse emissions from town activities.

There are also several things we all can do individually to help meet the state’s climate change goals.

Choose a cleaner car: consider one of the new hybrids currently or soon to be available: Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander
Drive smart: drive less, drive moderately, inflate your tires, and keep your car well-tuned
Reduce your electricity use: Buy ENERGY STAR appliances: An average house with ENERGY STAR appliances could save $400 a year. In addition, you can participate in a range of energy efficiency programs offered by your electric utility (NSTAR) or natural gas company (KeySpan)