“Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms."-Barack Obama.
Climate change is the defining issue of this generation. A few weeks ago, President Obama signed an agreement with China to lower the United States’ greenhouse gas emissions within a definitive timeline. As China is the first biggest contributor to climate change and the US is the second, this is a major step in addressing the problem. President Obama also stated that he plans on dedicating the last two years of his presidency to trying to deal with climate change. This is arguably one of the best decisions Obama has made in his entire presidency. The problem has raised a lot of attention, but not enough. Some people still don’t believe in global warming. Climate change isn’t a theory. Climate change is now.
So how does this effect Park City? The truth is, it is already changing. It’s already December and the small piles of snow we have are melting away. In the future, climate change would effect Park City dramatically. The success of our town rides almost entirely on the success of the ski resorts. Although the annual amount of precipitation is still the same, each year more of it will fall as rain than snow. The average temperatures will probably rise and the winter season will become shorter and less reliable. A low snow year brings less tourists into the town, dragging the hotel, restaurant and ski resorts down. The local economy will produce less jobs and less income. Scientists are predicting that in a few decades, more of “the greatest snow on the Earth” with fall as rain.
According to a University of Utah Meteorology Professor, “Yes, at all elevations, temperatures are warmer than they were several decades ago. There is also evidence suggesting that at lower elevations (below about 7000 feet), a greater fraction of wintertime precipitation is falling as rain.” Climate change is already happening. Everyone needs to help.
The top five largest contributors to global warming are:
Power generation: (26% of all global greenhouse gas emissions as of 2004) Producing electricity and heat is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. One person uses up to 240 watts of energy in one day. There are over 309 million people in the United States, which means that in one 24-hour period the US produces 74160000000 watts of electricity. This means every day, millions of pounds of carbon is emitted into the air. There are several things you can do to help this. You can turn off the lights when you leave a room, or take shorter showers. Rocky Mountain Power has a Blue Sky Renewable Energy program you can participate in and allows you to buy renewable energy from them.
Industrial consumption: (19% of all global greenhouse gas emissions as of 2004) This one goes back to the classic “reduce reuse recycle” slogan. When you buy a product it takes enormous amounts of resources to create it. For instance, suppose you buy a piece of clothing. Most clothing is made from petroleum products which is basically plastic. To make it you have to use enormous amounts of gas, electricity, heating, plastic and other resources.
To help, reducing, reusing and recycling really is the key. This is far more, however, than throwing your plastic water bottle in the blue bin beside the classroom door. First, buy less stuff. Before you purchase something, ask yourself, is this really something I need? If you have to buy something, buy it from a green store or second hand. Buy quality items that last and use them again. Hand down clothing that is too small to younger cousins or donate it to people in need.
Deforestation: (17% of all global greenhouse gas emissions as of 2004) Deforestation means clear cutting forests, primarily rain forests, for farmland and wood. Chopping up forests uses tremendous amounts of energy. This creates lots of carbon that eventually ends up in our air, adding to global warming. How can you help? Only buy sustainably harvested wood products, donate to GreenPeace, Rainforest Partnership, or Global Giving. Another, more dedicated option would be to get a smaller house.
Agriculture: (14% of all global greenhouse gas emissions as of 2004) One of the biggest reason for greenhouse gas emissions in this section is clear-cutting trees for farms and livestock. Another cause is hauling farm animals, because they need so much gas to transport they have extremely high carbon footprint. Become a vegetarian, or try to eat certified local organic food to do your part.
Transportation: (13% of all global greenhouse gas emissions as of 2004) This is an obvious one. Driving puts lots of carbon dioxide into the air. Drive fuel efficient cars, drive less, use public transportation and carpool as much as possible.
Another way to help out, is to get connected. According to the environmental sustainability manager of Park City, “Staying connected is huge! My number one recommendation is to get involved in your community in a way that’s meaningful to you, it doesn’t have to be climate related. Volunteer for a non-profit, get engaged in local politics, join a farm share (CCA), join a club. Just spend time connecting with the people that make up the fabric of your community, this is how we make change. As a species we’re going to have to adapt and this is going to require smart, connected people working in all sectors.”
For more inspiration, watch the trailer for the movie Disruption http://vimeo.com/104429713 or explore NASA’s global climate change page http://climate.nasa.gov/. Don’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. This is your future, your life. Vote in leaders that know climate change is a top issue. Become an activist to motivate others. Lower your own carbon footprint.
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