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Climate change is the term used to describe the negative climatic impact of Global Warming on planet earth. The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, largely attributed by many scientists to the burning of fossil fuels, has been linked to increased temperatures which are dramatically altering earth's weather patterns.

 

The earth's climate has changed rapidly, especially over the last 10 years. Globally, the ten hottest years on record have all occurred since the beginning of the 1990s. Whether global warming is purely a natural phenomenon, or whether mankind's activities are a significant cause is really immaterial. The fact is that we are able to take simple actions that will--at the least--lead to a cleaner local environment, or--at the most--improve earth's environment for future generations.

 

We need to take action now.

Many causes for global warming have been suggested, but it's now generally accepted that a build-up of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere in the main cause. CO₂ acts as a barrier preventing heat from leaving earth-acting in a similar way to the glass in a greenhouse. The heat is prevented from escaping by greenhouse gases, and it begins to build up, which in turn increases earth's temperature. This is commonly known as the "Greenhouse Effect".

 

While greenhouse gases are a natural part of our atmosphere (they keep the earth from freezing), the increasing use of fossil fuels to provide energy for our homes, transportation and manufacturing is believed to upset the natural balance of these gases. This contributes to global warming and climate change.

 

Power stations and domestic appliances that burn fossil fuels create the largest amount of CO₂. The energy we use to heat and light our homes is one of the biggest contributors to global warming.

While we cannot avoid climate change, we can immediately contribute to the solution for global warming.

 

Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases to slow down global warming is the primary goal. We can start today. By far the most effective and sustainable solution is to reduce the amount of fossil fuel we use by becoming more energy efficient consumers.

 

We can start right in our own homes. The energy we use to heat and light our homes contributes greatly to the amount of CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere . According to Energy Star, energy use by the average home contributes more to air pollution and climate change than the average car. So, increased home energy efficiency is vital.

 

By insulating our homes, factories and commercial office buildings, we not only reduce our energy needs, (and CO₂ emissions), we also benefit from the increased comfort and savings it brings.

 

FACT: Compared to every pound of CO₂ released during the fiber glass manufacturing process, energy consumption reduced by insulation saves an estimated 330 pounds of CO₂ emissions each year.

 

FACT: According to the Lisbon declaration on Climate Change, one of the most efficient and quickly achievable means of cutting CO₂ emissions is to reduce energy use. In the residential and commercial building sector, immediate energy savings can be accomplished through the use of readily available energy efficiency technology and fiber glass thermal insulation.