solutions to minimize global warming

The good news for us all: there are solutions to minimize global warming, and now we still have a chance to do so. All we need is a strong willingness to change!

Basically, we have to do is to reduce as much as possible all the activities that produce greenhouse gas emissions. There are five main things we can do to save the planet earth:

1. Stop or reduce eating meat!

In his report entitled Livestock’s Long Shadow: Environmental Issues and Options (released November 2006), the UN noted that 18% of global warming is happening right now was donated by the farming industry, which is greater than the effects of global warming generated by the entire world transportation combined! The UN also added that the emissions are calculated only on the basis of the resulting CO2 emissions, but other than CO2 as a great contributor, farming industry is also one of the major sources of pollution of soil and water sources clean.

A report from Earth Institute affirms that plant-based diet requires only 25% of the energy needed by the meat-based diet. Research carried out Professor Gidon Eshel and Pamela Martin from the University of Chicago also gave the same conclusion: changing patterns of eating a vegetarian diet with 50% more effective in preventing global warming instead of replacing an SUV with a hybrid car. A vegetarian with a standard American diet will save 1.5 tonnes of greenhouse emissions every year! A vegetarian driving a Hummer SUV is more environmentally friendly than a meat eater riding a bicycle!

2. Limit emissions of carbon dioxide!

If possible, look for sources of alternative energy sources that do not produce CO2 emissions such as solar energy, water, wind, nuclear, and others. When forced to use fossil fuels (which will result in CO2 emissions), use it wisely and efficiently. Matikanlah peralatan listrik ketika tidak digunakan, gunakanlah lampu hemat energi, dan gunakanlah panel surya sebagai energi alternatif. This includes electricity and energy saving, especially Indonesia, including many countries that use fossil fuels (oil, coal) for generating electricity. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use, use energy efficient lighting, and use solar panels as alternative energy.

3. Plant more trees!

Green plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in the network. But after death they will release CO2 into the air again. Environment with lots of CO2 plants will bind well, and should be maintained by future generations. If not, then the carbon already stored in the plant will re-released into the air as CO2.

Researchers from Louisiana Tech University found that each acre of green trees can capture enough carbon to offset emissions resulting from driving a car for a year. A study conducted by the forestry service in the United States also showed that planting 95,000 trees in two dlakukan small town in Chicago provides cleaner air and save costs associated with heating and cooling air for more than U.S. $ 38 million in 30 years to front.

4. Recycling (Recycle) and use the re (Reuse)

Calculations are done in California shows that if the recycling process can be applied up to the level of country of California, then saved enough energy to supply energy for 1.4 million homes, reduces 27,047 tons of water pollution, saves 14 million trees and reduce greenhouse gas emissions greenhouse until setera with 3.8 million cars!

5. Use of alternative transportation to reduce carbon emissions

Research by the University of Chicago shows that switching from conventional cars to hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius will save 1 ton of emissions per year.

Consume local products will reduce emissions in a significant amount. Research conducted by Iowa State University in 2003 found that non-local food average travel 1494 miles before it is consumed, compared with local food taking only 56 miles. Imagine how much carbon emissions saved by such a difference 1438 miles!

Use the bike as much as we can as a method of transportation. Besides saving a lot of energy, cycling is a healthy sport.

“I tried to use a bicycle to go to work as often as I can to save energy.” – Margot Wallstrom, Vice-President of the European Union Commission.

Transformed!

One thing that is very important in addition to the five things we can do the above is the desire and our own motivation for change.

The suggestions above would not matter if only the reading material with no real action. We should really start practicing it in daily life. We do not need to take extreme measures to directly change overnight if it is too heavy for us. Do it gradually but consistently with our commitments.

Be the first real example for the environment and the people around us. Examples and practices that we give is very important to inspire many others to change as well. Give information to the people around us so that they can understand about the consequences of their lifestyle. And give them encouragement to try to pattern noble lives that will save our beloved planet.