How to Reduce Global Warming Effects

Ultimately, the only way to reduce the effects of global warming is to reduce the concentrations of greenhouse gases, the gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Of course, global warming is a systemic problem caused by global patterns in natural resource use, but personal actions, especially if undertaken by a large number of people, can go a long way in reducing our total production of greenhouse gases and our overall impact on the planet.

Things You'll Need

• Carbon footprint calculator

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Instructions

• 1

  Calculate your carbon footprint.

  Before you think of ways to reduce your contribution to global warming, you should know exactly where you stand. Use any one of the many available online calculators to determine what exactly your impact is and what areas you need to target.

• 2

  Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

  Natural resource use is a major contributor to climate change. The production of consumer goods generates carbon emissions through natural resource extraction, transportation, use and disposal. While eliminating all consumer goods from your lifestyle would be impossible, think about your consumption patterns and of ways you can reduce your overall consumption, reuse items before discarding them and increase the rate at which you recycle.

  Reducing the number of goods you purchase and the amount of packaging they include, using durable items for longer periods of time, reusing items for new purposes and increasing the percentage of waste you send for recycling are all good starts.

• 3

  Reduce home heating and cooling energy use.

  Home heating and cooling consume massive amounts of energy. Lowering your thermostat by a few degrees in winter and raising it by a few degrees in summer can have immediate benefits for the environment and your wallet. Thinking long term, investigate ways to improve the energy performance of your home by increasing insulation and updating your heating and cooling systems to more efficient options.

• 4

  Use energy efficient products.

  Using efficient appliances and light bulbs can reduce your overall energy use, electricity bills and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

• 5

  Turn off and unplug appliances when they are not in use.

  Use only as much energy as you need, without wasting energy on lights left on in spaces you are not in or appliances left on that you are not using. Reducing your hot water use by cutting down on showering times and only washing dishes or clothes when you have a full load will also have a positive impact on your energy efficiency.

• 6

  Reduce the impact of your transportation use.

  Avoid driving your car alone, join carpools or use public transportation, only use motor transportation when you absolutely need to go somewhere and consider walking or using a bicycle for nearby destinations. Like many environmental measures, rationalizing your transportation choices can also have a positive impact on your finances and health.

• 7

  Investigate green energy providers and carbon offset options in your area.

  Getting your power from renewable sources or offsetting your carbon footprint with different carbon capturing options will not only reduce your personal impact, but contribute to the growth of markets in those sectors.

• 8

  Become active in local energy issues.

  Whether at the local or national level, social and government decisions in areas such as transportation and energy policy have a major impact on global warming. Make sure you are informed about the issues, involved and get your voice heard.