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Recycling
& Global Warming
 Global warming has been a hot topic in the news in the past few
years. Below you’ll find
some basics about the issues that we face with global warming and how
recycling is part of the multi-pronged response to this impending
problem. For more
information, you can visit the EPA’s comprehensive website on global warming.
What is global warming?
What is causing global warming?
Is there proof that global warming exists?
What are the possible consequences of global
warming?
What’s the link between global warming and recycling?
How does recycling help fight global
warming?
How much is the U.S. contributing to global
warming?
What can you do as an individual?
What is global
warming?
In basic terms, global warming refers to the trend of increased global
temperatures, which is causing the Earth to warm up. The greenhouse effect is involved
here because trace gases, known as greenhouse gases, allow sunlight to
enter the Earth’s surface, but fail to let this energy escape at the same
rate. The greenhouse effect
does occur naturally and is essential in keeping the Earth warm enough
for life to prosper.
However, excessive levels of greenhouse gases can lead to
increased global temperatures, which scientists predict will bring
catastrophic consequences.
According to many scientists, the influx of these greenhouse gases
is the reason why the Earth is experiencing increasingly warmer
temperatures.
What is
causing global warming?
The majority of scientists will agree that global warming is the result
of the excessive burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other
related human activities that add an unnatural amount of greenhouse gases
to our atmosphere. The burning
of fossil fuels occurs when we drive our cars, trucks, and other gasoline
fed vehicles. We release
carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air when we cut down trees. These are just a few examples of
how humans are adding to the amount of greenhouse gases entering our
atmosphere.
Is there proof
that global warming exists?
Global temperatures have been recorded starting around 1880 and since
then, for the most part, the Earth has been warming up. Surface temperatures of the
oceans have been increasing according to satellite data. Temperature data
taken from soil and rocks deep within the Earth have indicated an
increase in temperatures as well.
In addition, many nonpolar glaciers have been receding in recent
years, indicating that temperatures are on the rise.
What are
the possible consequences of continual global warming?
Scientists predict that as temperatures increase, a shift in climatic
patterns will occur. Regions
that rely heavily on steady rainfall could see a shift to a climate more
like a desert. There could
be an increase in the intensity and frequency of storms, including
hurricanes and tornadoes.
Researchers already believe that the increase of the recent
violent storms can be attributed to global warming. Furthermore, air currents could
be displaced to areas that may experience abrupt changes in
temperature. Sea levels
could rise with the melting of glaciers. People that live within a certain distance of the
coast could see their homes under water. All of this is not meant to serve as a scare tactic,
but rather, a wake-up call to what our actions could do to our
environment and the livelihood of humans in general.
What’s the link
between global warming and recycling?
Recycling and global warming are linked with one another since recycling
is part of the response to combat global warming.
How does recycling help fight global
warming?
The process of recycling places less of a demand on the
burning of fossil fuels, which, in turn, reduces pollutants and
greenhouse gases from entering the air. Also, if we can
recycle more then that means there is less material going to the landfill
where garbage decomposes and emits methane, another harmful greenhouse
house. Recycling also aids in curbing global warming since
recycling aims at reducing the number of trees cut down for our various
paper needs. A forest that remains intact will be able to continue
functioning as a storage system for carbon dioxide. When trees are
cut down, the carbon dioxide that they once stored is released into the
air, adding to our global warming woes. For more information about
the link between recycling and global warming visit the
EPA’s website on this topic.
How much is the
U.S. contributing to global warming?
It is hard to measure exactly, but the U.S. is the biggest
single contributor of carbon dioxide emissions in the world even though
we account for less than 5% of the world’s population. Therefore, we are responsible for
emitting a disproportionate amount of carbon dioxide. In the U.S., approximately 6.6
tons of greenhouse gases are emitted per person every year (EPA). Go to the EPA’s
website on global warming to see more data on how much the U.S. is
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
What can you do as
an individual?
Many people don’t think they can have an environmental impact as an individual.
However, the first process of change begins with one person. An example of reducing your
contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is deciding to carpool, walk,
bike, or take public transit to places. Deciding to switch to more energy efficient lighting
in your home will reduce your need for electricity, thus decreasing the
amount of greenhouse gases entering the air. You could also choose to
strategically plant shade trees to reduce your home’s energy needs. Recycling your waste and buying
products made with recycled content will reduce greenhouse gas emissions
as well. These are just a few examples of how everyone can make a
difference and reduce our environmental impact in our daily lives. Visit
the EPA’s website to get more info about individual
action in fighting global warming.
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