Global Warming FAQ

What is Global Warming? Global Warming is the process by which the globe is heating up due to increased carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Normally the way it works is that sunlight leaves the sun travels to the earth, heats it up, and then bounces back to the cold vastness of space. The increased carbon in the atmosphere, however, blocks the sunlight trapping it in our atmosphere. The result is that the planet heats up unnaturally quickly.

Why is global warming a bad thing? The rising temperature of the planet wreaks havoc with the world’s environment. Global warming can result in sudden floods, harsh hurricanes, and in intense droughts world wide. The damage this strange weather does to the world is incalculable in economics or in humanitarian analysis. Additionally global warming is melting the polar ice caps, which causes sea water across the world to rise, causing more environmental issues.

What is the Cap and Trade bill being debated in Congress, and how does it work? Cap and trade is an economic system in which the government sets a total limit on how much carbon is allowed into the atmosphere. After that the government then gives or auctions away permits to release a certain amount of carbon. If a company does not use all of its permits it can resell them to another company for a profit. Thus it becomes economically encouraged to pollute less. This becomes more and more stressed as the government releases less and less carbon permission each year, raising the price of each permit, thus companies who use less and less carbon, are more and more rewarded. The result is that the free market is used to encourage conservation.

What can I do to help fight global warming? The simplest thing anyone can do is reduce the amount of time they spend driving. That can be done either by taking public transit, car pooling, walking, or riding a bicycle. Cycling and walking are also great for your body.