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Environment - Climate Change
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22
29
4
Greenhouse Effect
"The threat that does not lessen, but grows stronger, is the one
posed by the gradual warming of the earth's atmosphere-
a climatological phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.
"Scientists now warn that early in the 21st century-within the
lifetimes of most people now alive-temperatures will rise sufficiently
to trigger devastating effects
"[Solutions] will require international cooperation of a kind never
before undertaken or achieved. They also require a degree of political
leadership that has rarely been displayed-except in time of national
peril."
-Editorial, The Boston Globe,
August 10, 1988
World Resources Institute
1709 New York Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 638-6300
$
i
'
What is the
greenhouse effect?
T
he idea of a greenhouse is a positive, nurturing one for plants
and flowers: a warm, controlled environment in which they can
grow and thrive, despite the wind, cold, and snow outside the glass
that protects them.
The same holds true for the earth. Without the natural green-
house effect, our planet would be ice-covered and lifeless. But hu-
manity is turning a beneficial phenomenon into a life-threatening
one. As pollution builds up in the atmosphere, the natural green-
house effect is being vastly altered, which could ultimately over-
heat the planet and disrupt its natural cycles.
The main pollutant responsible for this global warming is car-
bon dioxide, which results from burning fossil fuels such as coal,
oil and natural gas. It also comes from the destruction of forests,
which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they are
burned or cut down. Other "greenhouse gases" which contribute
to global warming are chlorofluorocarbons (which also destroy the
protective ozone layer in the upper atmosphere), methane (natural
gas), nitrous oxide, and ozone in the lower atmosphere.
A warmer world
As they build up in the atmosphere, these gases should cause
the earth's temperature to rise, with the largest increases likely to
be at high latitudes. As a result, regional climate and rainfall pat-
terns are expected to change; sea levels will rise as glaciers melt,
and as warmer oceans expand; drought could become more frequent;
and agriculture may be severely disrupted.
If we do nothing to slow the greenhouse effect, the earth could
be committed to a warming of 8° Fahrenheit in 40 years, and sea
levels could rise a foot or more. In 100 years, temperatures could
be as much as 15 degrees (F) hotter, and sea levels could be from
2 to 6 feet higher.
2
How the 'greenhouse effect' works
Space
Ozone layer shields the Earth from
the sun's harmful ultraviolet
radiation.
2
About 30 percent of the
energy is reflected back
into space.
Atmosphere
1
4
Together, these
Most of the sun's
3
Burning of fossil fuels and
gases form a
energy reaches
deforestation increase carbon
'blanket' which
the Earth.
dioxide in the atmosphere. Added
traps energy,
to this are chlorofluorocarbons
thus warming the
(man-made gases used in spray cans,
Earth.
refrigerants, and insulations) and methane
Earth
(from landfills, farming, and swamps).
To appreciate the severity of the pollution causing the green-
house effect, consider these facts:
An average new American car driven 10,000 miles per year
will release approximately its own weight-between one and two
tons-in carbon as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
CFCs not only destroy the earth's ozone layer, but they also
contribute 15 percent of the global warming from greenhouse gases.
After almost 100 years of pollution, there are already enough
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that could lead to a tempera-
ture increase of 2 to 5 degrees (F) within a few decades.
About six billion tons of carbon dioxide are spewed into the at-
mosphere each year, accounting for about half of the greenhouse
warming. Electric utilities account for 33 percent of carbon dioxide
emissions in the United States; transportation-cars, buses, trucks-
accounts for 31 percent; industry accounts for 24 percent; and
residential buildings account for the remainder.
The United States is the largest single contributor to worldwide
carbon dioxide emissions, representing 26 percent of the world's
emissions; the Soviet Union is second with 21 percent, followed by
western Europe with 17 percent, and China with 11 percent.
3
How could
Tomorrow's Forecast:
The greenhouse
Unseasonably Hot and Dry
great regional V2
the earth
short time, as
change?
I
f the greenhouse effect
isn't slowed down, and the
worst predictions material-
ize, our world will soon be
different from anything hu-
mans have ever experi-
July 1987
July
enced. It could possibly be-
come warmer than when
dinosaurs lived on earth.
In less than 50 years, some cities such as Denver, Omaha, and
Washington could have close to three full months of temperatures
over 90 degrees. Heat waves and droughts could become common-
place, increasing the chances of crop failures, increased air pollu-
tion, severe forest fires, and human suffering. Weather patterns could
become unpredictable, as would extreme weather events such as
cold snaps and monsoons; hurricanes could become much stronger
and more frequent.
As sea level rises, flooding could spill into coastal living areas,
beaches, wetlands, and estuaries. Low-lying coastal areas in the
United States such as Louisiana and Florida, and other countries such
as Egypt and Bangladesh could become inundated by rising ocean
waters.
The cost of either moving the inhabitants of these areas or build-
ing barriers against the sea would probably be prohibitive-$1.5
billion alone to protect a mid-sized city such as Charleston, South
Carolina, for example.
If climate zones shift, existing national parks and protected areas
would no longer preserve the habitat for plants, fish and wildlife
for which they were established. Few forests, for example, could
move rapidly enough to keep up with anticipated temperature
4
ct is expected to warm the earth between 3
general warming trends. But the number of hot spots will
Temperature
enheit over the next 50 years. There will be
increase, especially in the interior of the United States and other
Increases
ms. Some spots may even get colder for a
continents. The rich farmland in the Midwest may suffer while
IN DEGREES
weather patterns run contrary to the
Canada's breadbasket enjoys more bountiful harvests.
FAHRENHEIT
-5.4
-3.6
-1.8
0
1.8
3.6
5.4
July 2029
9
SOURCE JAMES HANSEN
DAVID SCHLEINKOFER
changes, with devastating consequences for the people and species
that depend upon them.
Migration patterns of birds would change as climate shifts; marine
life would be disrupted by warmer ocean temperatures. If hotter
temperatures become more common and prolonged, air pollution
would increase, as would heat-stroke and deaths.
Because of increased temperatures and more frequent drought,
regions such as the American grain belt could become much drier
and warmer during the critical growing season. Climates suitable
for farming could shift, sometimes to regions of the world where
soils are not suitable for agriculture. Water shortages would make
irrigation difficult and expensive. Deserts and grasslands would be
expected to spread as forests shrink.
A vicious cycle of energy needs could be set in motion. If the
weather becomes hotter, more people will want air conditioning;
more electricity will be needed. But producing more electricity with
fossil fuels will generate more carbon dioxide emissions-which will
add to the already escalating greenhouse effect.
"We have unwittingly begun a massive experiment with the sys-
tem of this planet itself," said British Prime Minister Margaret
Thatcher. "Protecting this balance of nature is therefore one of the
great challenges of the late Twentieth Century."
5
How can you help slow the
greenhouse effect?
G
reenhouse warming is the most serious and threatening environ-
mental problem of this century and the next-but it can be
slowed and eventually stopped. Although most measures to do this
need national and international action, there are also things you,
as an individual, can do. Some of these are:
Be energy-efficient. Purchase appliances such as refrigerators,
air conditioners, hot water heaters, furnaces and stoves that have
low "Energy Use" ratings on the tags that all new appliances have.
Replace standard light bulbs with special available lighting which
requires less energy and produces less heat, thereby reducing air
conditioning costs. Since these measures will use less energy, they
will also cut your energy bills.
Drive a fuel-efficient car. When you buy your next car, make
high mileage-per-gallon a major factor in your decision. Tell your
car dealer that's the kind of car you want.
Plant a tree-lots if you can. Shade trees which drop their
leaves in winter, planted around a house, cut down on energy con-
sumption. They also absorb carbon dioxide and prevent it from going
to the atmosphere.
Avoid using products made with harmful chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs). Although these were banned from spraycan uses in 1978,
you may still see, but should not use, products which contain them,
such as aerosols used to clean electronic parts. When your home
or car air conditioner is serviced, request that the CFC refrigerant
be drained into a closed container, then cleaned and recycled-
rather than being released into the air.
Drive less-take a bus
Drive less. Use public transportation such as buses, trains, and
subways. Cutting down on the pollution that causes the greenhouse
effect also cuts your gasoline bills. Walking or bicycling benefits your
health by exercising-and your environment by not polluting.
6
Solar power provides hot water and heat for this home in Shenandoah, Georgia.
Spread the word. Share your knowledge and concern about
the greenhouse effect with others: schedule programs, workshops,
talks and meetings with your local schools, churches, synagogues,
community clubs, unions, and offices.
Conserve energy. Many power plants create energy by burn-
ing coal, oil or gas, which emit greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Individual energy conservation measures include turning off
unneeded lights, using appropriate thermostat settings by avoiding
excess cooling in summer and heating in winter, using ceiling fans,
installing storm windows and insulation, and insulating water heat-
ers. There are many other ways to save energy-and they also save
you money on fuel bills. Most utilities have programs and brochures
about ways to save energy-ask your utility companies for copies.
Express your concerns about the greenhouse effect to your
elected officials. Several broad energy policies will help slow the
growth of the greenhouse effect: improved energy efficiency (using
less energy to provide the same services), moving away from the
use of fossil fuels to provide energy, and developing greenhouse-
free energy sources such as solar and wind power. International
cooperation will be needed to enact such important measures as
a ban on all harmful chlorofluorocarbons, reduction in fossil fuel
use, a halt to the destruction of tropical forests, and a concerted
reforestation effort-which will all slow global warming.
7
These organizations can help
T
hese public interest, non-profit organizations work with individu-
als who are concerned about the greenhouse effect. You may
contact them for more information and suggestions, issue updates,
newsletters, speakers, seminars, and membership programs.
Center for Environmental
Natural Resources Defense Council
Information
1350 New York Avenue, NW
33 South Washington Street
Washington, D.C. 20005
Rochester, NY 14608
Renew America
Climate Institute
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
316 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
Suite 719
Suite 403
Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, D.C. 20003
The Sierra Club
Environmental Defense Fund
330 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE
1616 P St., NW, Suite 150
Washington, D.C. 20003
Washington, D.C. 20036
The Wilderness Society
Environmental Policy Institute
1400 I St., NW
218 D St., SE
Washington, D.C. 20005
Washington, D.C. 20003
World Resources Institute
Friends of the Earth
1709 New York Avenue, NW
530 7th St., SE
Washington, D.C. 20006
Washington, D.C. 20003
World Wildlife Fund/
National Audubon Society
The Conservation Foundation
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE,
1250 24th Street, NW
#301
Washington, D.C. 20037
Washington, D.C. 20003
Zero Population Growth
National Wildlife Federation
1400 16th Street, NW,
1400 16th St., NW
Suite 320
Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, D.C. 20036
8
This brochure was produced and published by the World Resources
Institute, in cooperation with the organizations listed on the back
page. The World Resources Institute is an independent research and
policy institute that focuses on resource, environment and develop-
ment issues. It has a policy research program in Climate, Energy
and Pollution.
This printing of "Changing Climate: A Guide to the Greenhouse Effect"
has been made possible by the generosity of Patagonia, Inc. Patagonia
is committed to donating 10 percent of its pre-tax profits to preserving
and restoring the natural environment.
Patagonia-Environmental Program
P.O. Box 150
Ventura, California 93002
PHOTO CREDITS
Cover: Imtek Imagineering/Masterfile
Page 1: Herman Kokojan, Black Star
Page 3: Mack/Remillard in The Christian Science Monitor
©1988 TCSPS
Pages 4-5: Newsweek, July 11, 1988
Page 7: The U.S. Department of Energy
World Resources Institute
1709 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 638-6300
James Gustave Speth, President
William Moomaw, Director, Climate, Energy and Pollution Program
James MacKenzie, Senior Associate
Rafe Pomerance, Senior Associate
Shirley Geer, Communications Director
Lani Sinclair, Consultant and Brochure Editor
WORLD
Nonprofit Org.
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