CO2 Rising at Double the Rate

Perfectly still morning, a few dark clouds.


This is bleak news indeed. A study published 2 days ago by the Royal Society out of the Tyndall Centre, one of the world's leading research centers for climate, concludes that the CO2 levels will continue to rise to 650 parts per million before our efforts maybe make the necessary down turn.

But hang on...we're at around 387 PPM with the noble attempt to reverse this number NOW and bring it to 350 PPM. This just doesn't add up. Conclusion after computer model after scientific study warns we are under predicting the course of climate change. Even now at 387 PPM we are seeing increased extreme weather patterns, changing season, less rain, more rain, rising sea levels etc. Dr Dixon, director of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Scotland, said an increase of more than two degrees (C) could mean a "tipping point" is reached. "That's when you get to a runaway situation," he said. "The big systems of the world start to go wrong when you get beyond two degrees."

These scientists aren't too happy with our politicians either. The scientific experts say "a reluctance "at virtually all levels" to address soaring greenhouse gas emissions means carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are on track to pass 650 parts-per-million (ppm), which could bring an average global temperature rise of 4C." They have strongly urged politicians and countries to take drastic measures now.

Tough situation to be in since few politicians have the guts to say what needs to be done, the costs that are necessary and oh, by the way, still get elected at the same time. That's because WE don't want to hear it either. WE don't want to make the necessary lifestyle changes. WE don't want to pay for it. But we WILL be paying for it in the future.

Even these scientists, who know it's not nice to play with Mother Nature, are suggesting making ecological interventions like growing algae and blocking the sun's rays as the ice shields melt as a possible last ditch effort to save the world. Predictions are millions of people will be displaced due to rising waters (ditch that water front property) and millions of plant and animal species loss, up to 50%. Helloooooooo, are you listening?

In case your imagination can't grasp what this all means, I recommend the book Six Degrees - Our Future on a Hotter Planet by Mark Lynas. While some (with their head in the sand) say he is an alarmist, scientists have applauded his efforts.

What to do? Energy efficency first. Please read: Energy Efficiency-It Can Be Easy. Then talk, talk talk about this. Convince your neighbors (maybe head in the sand) and everyone who will listen (some heads in the sand) and even those who won't listen. Please click and read these articles. They are hot off the press from the world leading institutions on climate change. They know their $#!+.

350 PPM Global Warming Goals - Now

The shadows of the earth approach me bringing full daylight.

350 - The most important number on earth, to earth and for us. For all of us, humanity, creatures large and small, this is the number we must return to in order to avoid facing irreversible climate change consequences.

Carbon dioxide, CO2, in the atmosphere is measured in parts per million or PPM. The earth can get along sustainably at this level. BUT we are far past that number. Never before in human history have we been so high. We are now at 385 PPM.

There is so much science behind all of this it isn't even funny. Science without agendas (which is how a real scientist is suppose to behave) has been presenting this for many years. They present the evidence as they see it. Most of what scientists present is theory. They very rarely call it fact. Did you know that the laws of gravity are not a fact? Sure seems like it to me. Gravity is actually a theory. So global warming is a really strong theory and has lots of scientific evidence.

Bill McKibben, one of the many outstanding daddy's of global warming, is behind this new movement - getting people to understand 350 and DO something about it.

www.350.org is the place to go. They have cool videos, facts, (oops) I mean evidence, scientific papers and much more.

So read away, get depressed and then get inspired. The most important message to come away from this, is we must take action, now, and dramatic action at that. The number one thing you can do, starting today, is energy efficiency: in your home, in your car, and at work. Humans have been a part of the problem, we must now be the solution. More on energy efficiency later, but for today, drive more slowly, turn off unnecessary lights and anything electric for that matter, and dress less so if you are around air conditioning, it can be turned down.

And if you are around air conditioning that is too cold, for goodness sake, go tell someone to set the number a few degrees higher. And tell them about the number 350 while you're at it.

Energy Efficiency - It Can Be Easy

Light drizzle this morning and grateful for it.

Experts worldwide are insisting that CO2 reductions happen immediately and fast in order to avoid planetary collapse. There is lots of talk about switching to solar and wind but the time lag is not fast enough. To drop CO2 emissions ASAP, energy efficiency takes center stage as the fastest solution for the moment.

Energy efficiency begins at home, but then take it to work and take action within your community, church, town and city. The basics apply to all scenarios and it means reducing electrical use first. And the bonus is this will all save you money. Next comes heating, cooling, water use, oil and gas use.

Gabrielle, a student at a local prep school, recently won the energy efficiency competition. And the best part is, are you ready for this? She said it was easy! This coming from a teenager. Their household electrical bill dropped a whopping 29%. How did she do it? This is HER easy list to energy efficiency:

1- No clothes dryer
2 - Switch all light bulbs to CFL's
3 - Turn off everything not being used
4 - Take shorter showers
5 - Spend time in one room, one TV instead of spread out throughout the house
6- Turn down the heat, dress warmer
7- Use daylight for work and reading

Gabrielle said it was fun and brought the family together and saved them money with NO investment. Bravo for this young person showing us the way.

If she can do it, we can do it. Don't waste any time, and don't waste.