The Popularity Of Natural Perfume

Natural perfume, also known as botanical perfume, is the name given to any perfume that contains only natural ingredients. This means that the product does not contain artificial ingredients of any kind. The idea behind this product is that it is kinder to the skin and to the environment.

Modern living and political outlooks have paved the way for the natural perfume to become increasingly popular. However, the idea of it has always been around, and until the 1800s when synthetic materials were created, natural perfume was the only option. The synthetics were a breakthrough in modern science, and offered a valuable commodity for perfume makers. It enabled the product to have a longer shelf life and could also create more effects and blends.

Synthetic perfume is still excellent quality, but there is a modern trend for trying to recapture the essence of all things natural; and this includes with perfume. Botanical perfume is created from raw organics and rare aromatics, with natural extraction processes used. The aromatics are obtained through tincturing, enfleurage, infusion and distillation, and then added to a combination of carrier oil and water or a natural alcohol base. These bases are less severe than their synthetic counterparts and so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Allergies are a common reason why people are turning to botanical perfume. The high levels of pollution have made many people more sensitive and intolerant to many chemicals that would previously have produced no adverse affect. Natural perfume ingredients are in their purest form, and so the absence of chemicals creates less irritants and skin pollutants.

Another reason for the popularity of natural perfume is that it can be used to create a signature blend. In the modern world where mass production is the norm, many people are turning to the unique and rare to recapture a sense of identity. Natural perfume enables this. Firstly, synthetic perfumes are mass produced, and so it is down to the taste of the buyer as to whether they are purchased, whereas natural perfumes can be made bespoke.

These bespoke perfumes are created in relation to the tastes of the buyer, and are available for that buyer only. Many natural perfumeries are opening across the globe, where clients can go in for a whole experience which includes answering questions about tastes to determine a particular classification such as oriental, citrus, marine or floral. Then different base scents are tested, and those liked are then combined to create a signature fragrance, usually stored on a database for future purchases.

The ingredients are also a key factor. Natural perfumes often contain rare aromatics that would be too expensive to use in mass production. Therefore, it can offer a wider variety of fragrances. Another element to consider is the concentration of the blend. Synthetic perfumes have strict concentrations of perfume per alcohol and water base, which must be adhered to. Natural perfumes can step outside of these conventions, and create a strength that suits your requirements. Certain perfume may be based upon aromatherapy and aromacology theories also, to try and help assist with mood and health.

Of course, natural perfume does have its disadvantages also. For instance, the absence of any chemical fixative in the perfume, similar to the preservatives found in food produce, means that it is evanescent or short lasting. The ingredients in botanical perfume may separate also, as they contain no chemicals that bind, but this can be resolved with a gentle shake, so not too much of a problem but worth remembering. Natural perfumes are generally inexpensive and a pleasant change from the norm. Ultimately, however, they need to suit your requirements and needs; so weight the pros and cons and make an informed choice before purchasing.

About the Author

This article can be accessed in portuguese from the Article section of page www.polomercantil.com.br/perfume-fragrancia.php
Roberto Sedycias works for www.PoloMercantil.com.br

Source: www.articopia.com

Carbon Emission Trading, The Basics Explained

 

The Kyoto Protocol is a UN-led international agreement reached in 1997 in Kyoto Japan to address the problems of climate change and the reduction greenhouse gas emissions. The Kyoto Protocol went into force on February 2005.

Signatory countries are committed to moving away from fossil fuel energy sources - oil, gas, and coal, to renewable sources of energy such as hydro, wind and solar power, and to less environmentally harmful ways of burning fossil fuels. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are mainly generated by burning fossil fuels. Higher levels of greenhouse gas emissions cause global warming and climate change.

The Protocol commits 38 industrialized countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2008-2012 to overall levels that are 5.2 percent below 1990 levels. Targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction were established for each industrialized country. Developing countries including China and India were asked to set voluntary targets for greenhouse gas emissions.

The Canadian target for Kyoto is to reduce by 2012, greenhouse gas emissions by six percent below their 1990. The United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and in February 2002 introduced the Clean Skies and Global Climate Change initiatives, in which targets for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions are linked directly to GDP and the size of the U.S. economy.

Trading of carbon emissions is linked to a program called Cap-and-Trade. Understanding this concept is necessary to begin effective trading. A central authority (usually a government or international body) sets a limit or cap on the amount of emissions discharged into the atmosphere. Companies that exceed the cap may be subject to fine or regulatory sanction. Therefore, those who find they cannot meet the conditions of the cap will look to buy credits from those who pollute less.

Many older established companies are forced to spend considerable sums of money modernizing plants. In many instances this takes time, usually years to achieve. In contrast to new generation technologies which are not faced with up-grading facilities to comply with 1990 emission standards. Trading emission credits is a way for low emission companies such as wind farms to sell credits to benefit higher emitting companies. Cap-and-trade programs ultimately aid in being a net benefit to the host country by enabling it to meet it's commitment to the Kyoto Protocol Agreement.

From the very beginning, this first phase of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme, or EU-ETS, was intended to be a learning period to work out the kinks and entice major greenhouse gas emitters on board.

On January 1, 2005, the EU-ETS came online with the cap-and-trade program covering approximately 12,000 installations including electricity production and some heavy industry. These 27 member countries of the European Union represents roughly 45 percent of total European CO2 emissions.

Now three years later, amid a flurry of expectations and public controversy, the European Union has credible results to back up its claim of success. Recently, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology analysis of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) affirms that despite rather unstable beginnings, the system has been an unprecedented success. More importantly, it opens the door for skeptical countries like the United States to follow suit.

The United States would have been required to reduce its emissions 7 percent below 1990 levels had it accepted ratification of Kyoto. Instead, U.S. emissions have now risen more than 16 percent between 1990 and 2005.

The Bush administration and Republican lawmakers opposed to emission caps have been touting the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, which consists of Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The aim of the initiative, which began in 2005, is to foster cooperation on ways to improve clean energy development and lower emissions without global mandates. But since the initiative started, the United States, India, and China have come under increased domestic pressure to move toward mandatory emission controls. California is among several U.S. states that have entered into partnerships or passed laws for controlling greenhouse gas ahead of the federal government, leading to a showdown with congressional lawmakers. Major U.S. cities have also instituted a host of policies designed to cut greenhouse gases.

Without the United States entering into a binding commitment, it is feared that several developing countries which have not yet signed plus some Kyoto signatories may be unwilling to agree to additional international commitments.

About the Author

Dwayne Strocen is a registered Commodity Trading Advisor specializing in analyzing and hedging Market and Operational Risk using exchange traded and OTC derivatives. Website: http://www.genuineCTA.com.
View in depth information about greenhouse gases and carbon emissions trading.

Source: www.articopia.com

 

Different Types of Green Jobs

There are hundreds of types of green jobs that are available. People get far too caught up on just one or two types such as alternative energy, and forget or overlook all the other green careers that are available to them. Keep your mind open and be creative! Here are just a few ideas for those of you looking for something a little different.



Conservationist

Being a conservationist means that you help the government or landowners figure out how to protect the environment. This includes keeping track of what is going into the air, water, and the ground. As a conservationist you can help raise officials' awareness of pollution in their area or how the ecological balance can be protected. You may be asked to find ways to do this in the most inexpensive way possible.

These green jobs generally require at least a Bachelor's degree. Agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, or biology are common degrees people get if they want to get one of these green careers.



Geoscientist

Being a geoscientist is very much what it sounds like. You are a scientist who studies the earth, such as its structure, composition, physical aspects, and basically how it works. These scientists commonly help other scientists learn more about the environment, how to protect it, and how to fix what damage has been done to it. These green jobs require a Master's degree in a field such as earth science or geology.



Regional Planner


Those who have green careers as regional planners work hand in hand with developers and the community. They help communities figure out what the best ways to use space and resources is, while keeping growth and future change in mind. If you would love knowing that you helped to shape your community and make it a good place for the present and future, this would be a great job for you. A Master's degree in regional planning is generally required.



Landscape Architects

Green jobs like this also affect the community and how it is formed. They help design many important areas in the community, such as schools, parks, malls, and golf-courses. If you get a job like this, you would be responsible for making sure that the areas you work on are made to be functional and great to look at, while still being environmentally friendly.

One of the very best things about all these jobs is that they pay very well. You have to have a lot of schooling in order to be eligible for most of them, but it is well worth it. Once you have your degree, you can get a job in a field you are passionate about and be paid well for your efforts to improve the world we live in.

About the Author

For additional information on green jobs visit the Environmental portal of Wind and Solar education.

Source: www.articopia.com

Backyard Bird Watching Is A Breeze

 

One of the best places for aspiring bird watchers to get their feet wet is in their own backyard. Backyard bird watching is an inexpensive and relatively easy way to get involved in birding as a hobby. While your interest may one day carry you to far away places in search of rare species, many find that they are more than satisfied by keeping track of the local bird life and enjoying the birds that live right under their noses.

You will want to do some research on what types of feeders are best for the birds that you are hoping to attract. Several styles meet the needs of many species. Some birds, however, require a specific type of feeder. You may find it best to construct your backyard bird watching area in a way that allows you to utilize several different feeders. Make sure you research how far away from each other the feeders should be.

Another decision that you will have to make as you are beginning your hobby of backyard bird watching is what to feed them. There is a wide range of feed available. Just like the feeders, the food that you select should depend in large part on what type of birds you are hoping to attract and where you live. Some of the more common types of bird feed are sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and thistle.

Often found in a mix, pour this type of seed into a hopper type feeder to meet the needs of several different species at one backyard bird watching station. If you hope to attract some of the more fickle species, like bluebirds, then you will need to do some research on what type of fruit or nuts make up the diet of bluebirds in your area.

When you are setting up your area for backyard bird watching, you should ensure that you have good view of the feeders from the area that you anticipate using for observation. If you have any low hanging branches that may block your view, cut them away before you begin your project. If you wait until you already have a contingent of hungry customers to do so, the sudden change in environment may disrupt the feeding and behavior patterns that they have established.

Now that you are ready to begin your observations, you will find that you need some kind of magnifying device in order to see the birds better. A basic pair of binoculars is usually sufficient for beginners, though you may find it better to mount a spotting scope near a bird watching picture window in your home. These optical devices will greatly increase your ability to identify birds and to get to them by their distinct markings and behaviors.

About the Author

Mike Selvon is the owner of various niche portals. Our bird feeder portal is a great resource for more information on backyard bird watching. While you are there don't forget to claim your free gift.

Source: www.articopia.com

 

Indoor Air is 2-5 Times More Polluted than Outdoor Air! Is Yours?

It probably is. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the air in our homes and offices is two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution as a high priority public health risk. The World Health Organization and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have also concluded that preventing exposure to environmental allergens and irritants may help prevent asthma. If you're like most people, you spend up to 90% of your time indoors. If you can find a way to reduce airborne pollutants and allergens that you breathe, you may be able to increase your vitality and health and reduce allergies and asthma attacks.

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), air pollution in our homes can be reduced in three different ways, by controlling the source of pollution, by increasing ventilation and by cleaning the air. These are listed in their order of effectiveness, so this means that it is most important to reduce the amount of pollution you are creating or bringing into your home.

We don't always think of the following as sources of air pollution, but depending on the type of product, all of these can be significant sources of pollution and irritation in our homes: paints & varnishes, furniture, insulation and building materials (especially particle board and plywood), carpets, combustion appliances (gas heaters, stoves, etc.), smoking, cleaning and personal care products, pets, dust mites, mold and fine particulate matter from outdoor pollution and forest fires.

In order to control the sources of pollution in your home, you need to do as many of the following suggestions as possible:

Use low emission paints, varnishes, carpets and furniture, including beds, mattresses and bedding items
Use only non-toxic, natural, cleaning and personal care products
Vacuum and clean regularly to keep the level of dust mites down
Maintain low humidity in your home, by using exhaust fans or opening windows after a bath or shower
Replace wall-to-wall synthetic carpeting with tile, hardwood floors or some other natural, non-toxic, hard flooring
Service your combustion appliances regularly so as to decrease combustion emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides
Get rid of combustion appliances if at all possible, especially if your are chemically sensitive
Keep doors and windows shut when outdoor pollution levels are at unhealthy levels from smog and/or forest fires
Banish your pets to the outside or garage if pet dander is troublesome

Although all of the above are excellent suggestions, it is very difficult and very expensive to control all of the sources of pollution in our homes. Building and furnishing "green" homes is definitely a wave of the future, but most people don't have a non-toxic "green" home today and don't have the money to redo their house in a totally "green" way. Also, there are some things like forest fires and smog that we don't have much day-to-day control over.

So the second suggestion to help you reduce indoor air pollution is increasing ventilation. In other words, get more fresh air into your home! Open windows and doors, turn on kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans and mechanical ventilation systems, such as the fan on your central heat and air system, if it is vented to the outside.

This biggest problem with this second suggestion is that both the weather and the outdoor pollution do not always make it feasible to bring in outside air.

Cleaning the Air

The third suggestion for reducing the pollution in your home is to use an air purification device to clean the air. Even though air cleaners by themselves are not the best solution to keeping your indoor air clean (source control is the best!), they can definitely be a part of the solution.

According to the American Lung Association, air cleaning is recognized as one of the three strategies to improve indoor air quality. It has become increasingly popular as more and more people are developing asthma, allergies and sinus problems. For example, it is estimated that over 17 million people now have asthma, and the mortality rate due to asthma has almost doubled in the past decade (according to the ALA). Air cleaning has been widely used in industrial settings to control particulates, gases and vapors, and is now increasingly being turned to for use in residential settings. However, there is a big difference in air purifiers, and the inexpensive ones simply do not do a good job of cleaning the air.

In conclusion, most of us are breathing polluted air in our homes and offices for most of the day. You can reduce this indoor air pollution by reducing the sources of pollution, by opening windows and bringing in fresh air, and by using a high quality air purifiers.

About the Author

Karen Pijuan is the owner of several health-related websites and has written numerous articles about healthy living, whole food supplements, natural weight loss and more. Find out more by visiting EcoViva or The Truth About Vitamins

Source: www.articopia.com

Which Plastics to Use and Avoid

Plastics are very important in day-to-day lives due to the numerous applications associated with them. Some of the common uses of plastics include packaging of items. Packaging industries must realize which plastics to use/avoid thus protecting the environment from harmful plastics. Generally, plastics are non-biodegradable hence they do not decay. For this reason, plastics fill the earth and cause water run off when they accumulate in soil. Because of this reason, packaging industries must use the appropriate plastic. The advantage of using plastic for packaging is because plastics offer a good barrier to many elements including oxygen and water.

Many governments, because of its pollution effects, ban thin plastic use. Thin polythene is not recycled after use; it thus ends up in the garbage heap thus polluting the environment. On the contrary, high-density plastics do not damage the environment due to recycling; this reduces pollution of the environment. Apart from conserving the environment, many employment opportunities crop up and sparing of raw materials thus boosting the economy. Another vital use plastic is in building and construction however, majority of construction work uses high-density plastic that is renewable. Polyvinyl chloride makes pipes as well as sliding sheets. Insulators, computer hardware as well as many handles are made of high-density plastics. These plastics never damage the environment because they are recycled. Apart from recycling, the plastics are multipurpose.

Industries use high-density plastics to manufacture of automobiles, trucks as well as airplanes seats and bumpers. Another use of plastics is in electric appliances and electric wire coatings. Due to inability of plastics to conduct heat or ectricity, they are widely used as insulators. Majority of these plastics are high-density plastics. Low-density plastics on the other hand lead to flooding. This is so because thin plastic fills the ground, thus no water percolation in the ground. Thin plastics harbor water that is breeding grounds for harmful insects like mosquitoes.

Thin plastics have some advantage because they are very cheap and they are produced fast. Plastics both high and low-density have general benefits to man and they include, flexbility. Tailoring plastics is easy thus attaining many different forms and shapes of products. Plastics have lightweight thus excellent for transporting purposes. This leads to reduced fuel consumption. When well kept, plastics are durable because they do not rust nor rust. Plastics are excellent building materials because they are resistant to water and chemical damage. Medical equipments and foodstuffs are packaged using plastics due to cleanliness of plastics. Plastics contain chemical compounds that are harmful to human body, thus, they are not ideal for food covering. An alternative plastic like bio-plastics solves this problem.

Scientists are researching on a new form of plastic called bio-plastic made from plant polymers. The advantage of this plastic is that microorganisms have the ability of degrading it. Bio-plastic are friendly to the environment thus it has no issues of filling the soil. Bio-plastics are also the ideal plastics because they have no harmful effects to the body due to chemicals present in the synthetic plastics. With these facts in place, an individual must decide which plastics to use/avoid depending on activity on hand.

About the Author

Kevin Bailey loves water bottles, allowing him to drink his water anywhere, if you want to find out more, check outStainless Steel Water Bottles, Sigg Water Bottles, or Nalgene Water Bottles.

Source: www.articopia.com

Ideas On Preparing Healthy Soil For Gardening

Various tests were performed by expert gardeners in order to conclude whether the soil has a good composition.

Some of these are: Compressing it in hand, and if the soil does not hold itself and crumbles without any external force applied in it, then that has a sand component that is a little high. If you compress it to form a shape and when you poke it does not fall apart easily, to much clay contained on that.

If you're still not sure about the soil composition you have, you can separate each ingredient by using this simple method. Put a cup or two of dirt into a jar of water. Shake the water up until the soil is suspended, then leave it for a while until you see it separates into 3 layers. The top layer is clay, the next is silt, and on the bottom is sand. You should be able to judge the presence of each component within your dirt, and act accordingly.

After analyzing the soil composition, and determined what is lacking or what is to be lessen, then,of course, you apply methods you learned to fix it. If you are to treat to much sand or silt, the best option to do is to add some compost or moss. And if you are to deal to much clay, the best thing to do is to add of peat moss and sand because the peat moss when moisten helps to infiltrate the mixture better. You can also consult an expert to have the best done for your gardening.

The amount of water present in the soil is also one of essential things to consider when preparing your garden. Inclined garden or it may be at the lower level, the site will, most likely, absorb to much water and plants will be drowned. If you think your garden will be on this scenario, make your area elevated for few inches (perhaps 4 or 5) from the ground so that it'll not be saturated.

You should spend the couple of weeks prior to the planting by adding fertilizer to your site because adding nutrients to the soil is also essential for plants to grow healthy. Mix your fertilizer well and once you have done this, you will surely have a soil that is ideally poised for planting.

Essentially, the procedure to soil preparation and care can be summarized in these steps: Ensuring the soil composition is satisfactory; ensuring the proper drainage for the site and putting fertilizer on the soil before it is planted. Once it is planted, you can add some more to ensure the growth of your plants. Following these steps will surely bring out the best of your home garden fueled by your essential care.

About the Author

Bercle George is an expert gardener and has published an excellent rose growing and gardening resource at http://www.rosegrowingguide.com/

Source: www.articopia.com

Fertility and Cell Phone Radiation

No one can deny that people are having more and more trouble having babies these days. Just look at the explosion in the number of fertility clinics across the United States and Western Europe. What's the cause; environment, diet, pollution? Well, recent research points to electromagnetic radiation as a key factor.

It's known that electromagnetic radiation, in high doses, can serious affect your body. After all, an x-ray can see right through you! So, were always told to avoid exposure to high levels of any kind of radiation. Yet, what about repeated exposure to low levels; what are the long term health risks associated with that? That's where the problem with cell phones comes into play.

Lots of people use them these days, and you can spend hours with one pressed up to her head or strapped to your waist, or even hooked to your ear all the time! As a result, you are getting a constant influx of radiation pumped into your body. You may think that such a minute amount of radiation is nothing, but the next time you're done with a long phone call, run your hand over the side of your head. More than likely, it's going to feel a bit warm. That is due solely to the radiation emanating from your phone!

Think about that; your skin made warm just from that. And, if your skin is warm, what's going on beneath it? The radiation is heating your blood and bones, and the gray matter of your brain. None of that is good for you and your overall health.

So, what does this mean in terms of fertility? Doctors warn that pregnant women should not wear a cell phone unit at their waist as their developing fetus can be at risk for birth defects. Beyond that, the radiation can affect their ovaries and uterus, thus decreasing their chances of even conceiving. For men, the risks are similar. Keeping a cell phone clipping at the waist can adversely affect the testicles and a man's sperm count.

When you consider that undeveloped nations are not having trouble with fertility as evident by their burgeoning populations the fertility problem is something related to our modern high-tech world. Some people will point to the foods we eat, to the chemicals in our water, and so on.

Yet, not everyone is having trouble having babies. More and more data supports the theory that electromagnetic radiation is the chief culprit. Check out the information available through various websites, and you'll come to learn about the steps you can take to reduce the health dangers associated with cell phone use.

About the Author

Educational Cell Phone Digital Book by Paul Fitzgerald, EMF expert, graduated from NJIT in Newark, NJ. He has been studying EMF's for over 15 years. He has done over 100 radio shows in 2006 and released his book CellPhone Lies To learn more go to EMF Radiation News.

Source: www.articopia.com

 

Do You Know These Things About Lung Cancer?

Our lung is one of the main "motors" of our body. Yet, often it is not given due attention and care, and it remains in the background when it comes to issues of the hearth or brain.

The main function of our lung is to exchange the gases between the air we breathe and our blood. It is through our lung that carbon dioxide is emptied from our body and oxygen is transported to our blood vessels. It is not widely known that the two sides of our lung are not identical to each other. The right lung has three lobes, whereas the left lung has two lobes, and an additional portion which is called the lingula which is like the middle lobe.

Lung cancer is the leading type of cancer causing death among men and women of the world. It is only since the 1930s that cases of lung cancer started to increase. This is mainly due to tobacco consumption, and the much disputed pollution and smog around the globe. 90% of lung cancers are caused by smoking. Recently, governments and states around the globe have raised the price of tobacco dramatically, having some significant effect on societies in cutting down on tobacco smoking.

Some people mistakenly believe that pipe and cigar smoking do not have such a harmful effect on the lungs as cigarettes. Cigar and pipe smokers are at 5% higher risk to die of lung cancer than non-smokers. This ratio is 25% for people smoking cigarettes.

Passive smokers, i.e., smokers who do not smoke themselves but stay in an environment where others smoke, and inhale smoke, are at 24% higher risk of developing cancer (only 1% less than a cigarette smoker.)

Other danger factors in developing cancer are asbestos fibres, radon gas, familial predispositions (genetic), and other lung diseases, along with air pollution.

Lung cancers are categorized into two types. Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. This distinction is based on the appearance of the cells under microscopic examination and the appearance of tumor cells. The two types of cancers spread and grow in different ways, thus the distinction.

Small cell cancer is the most aggressive and rapidly growing type of cancers, and it makes up 20% of related cancers. It tends to grow first in the larger breathing tubes and grows very fast spreading around a large area. In its initial stage, it is more sensitive to chemotherapy, but it often bears worse prognosis. This type of cancer is mainly related with smoking.

On the other hand, for non-small cell lung cancer, the prognosis is poor. Patients treated with chemotherapy live generally only three months longer than those who do not get treatment. This type is divided into further two types, one starting from the larger breathing tubes but spreading around slower. This means that the size of these tumors varies when diagnosed. 50-60% of non-small cell cancer starts growing around the gas-exchanging surface of the lung. This form is most common for smokers, and along these there are female non-smokers who are mainly affected.

Our lung is a very sensitive organ, it is often the landing place for metastasis (when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor) of cancer originating from other parts of the body. In this case, we name it by the originating part of the body, for example breast cancer.

Cancer is a sly disease. Women can develop ovary cancer from the originating stomach cancer. It strikes the most innocent, the best sportsman, the firmest vegetarian, anyone without mercy. If it takes your lungs, it takes your breath. Do not give it a chance.

About the Author

For more information on cancer try visiting http://www.cancercondition.com - a website that specializes in providing cancer related information and resources including information on lung cancer.

Source: www.articopia.com

Global Warming: Causes, Consequences And Remedies

 

What is global Warming?: Global warming is the process of a gradual increase in the earths atmospheric and ground temperatures throughout the entire planet. Studies have shown that global temperature has risen by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last century. Day-to-day activities by humans since the beginning of the industrial era have resulted in the increased emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere, causing a trend of warming at a distressing pace.

Causes of global warming

Carbon emissions - Carbon dioxide traps the heat of the sun on the globe, much like a veritable balloon filled with warm air. On an average day, humans add to the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide in several ways, from power plants to vehicles. Air pollution from industrial plants is increasing at an alarming level despite steps taken to enforce environmentally friendly practices.

Deforestation - Following carbon emissions by humans, deforestation is the next most important cause of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Millions of acres of tropical rain forests are lost each year causing climate change. Temperate forests which serve to absorb billions of tons of carbon are also being cut down at a tremendous rate.

The dire consequences

Weather patterns - Apart from the wildfires caused by scorching hot and dry weather which burns millions of acres of land worldwide, the main cause for concern is drought, which also increases the risk of wildfires. Drought causes crops to fail, causing starvation and diseases in less developed countries where agriculture is the main source of food and income. Conversely, warm temperatures can also cause heavier rainfall and floods. More energy in the climatic system causes hurricanes and tsunamis. Balance of ecology is disturbed.

Health - Smog in certain parts of the world is causing allergies and asthmatic conditions to worsen. The poor air quality also results in weakened respiratory system. Droughts and other eco disruptions lead to the rapid spread of infectious diseases and food and waterborne illnesses such as malaria, cholera and dengue fever.

Wildlife - With ecosystems unable to adapt to the pace of climatic changes, several species are reaching near extinction. From decreasing numbers of polar bears to the danger of extinction of penguins in the Antarctic, this threat has roots in the vast reductions of their natural habitats.

What measures you can take?

Stop pollution! - Cutting down pollution from car emissions and power plants will decrease the rate of global warming to a great extent. Varied technologies for use of alternative energy have already been developed. And, more technology is being developed regularly. We need to continue to make use of current alternative energy resources like wind power and solar power, and we can adopt new technologies as they are developed.

Changes to the legal system - With public support on the rise, laws must be imposed worldwide to cap emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses from industrial and power plants. Tighter standards for appliances such as air conditioners and heat pumps will also strengthen the efforts to reduce emissions.

Make it YOUR problem. - Energy conservation should be addressed in a right way. Reduce your energy bills by opting for little changes such as fluorescent lights and environmentally friendly refrigerators. Make an effort in every little way you can to sustain the planet for future generations. Let us embrace sustainable development

About the Author

Ranju kumar an editor of the website SustainGreenPower.com which briefs all about Sustainable Development, Environment, Renewable Energy, and important information and news on many more Green Earth topics.

Source: www.articopia.com