This data was compiled from a number of sources, not the least of which is based on Climate Change 2007: Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, Summary for Policymakers, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, April 2007.

Climate Change, Solar Power, and Energy Conservation

Welcome to Agclimate.org

With all of the hype surrounding the debate over global warming Agclimate.org is a user-friendly place to look for plain language on the subject and links to organizations that are designed to educate and call to action.

Here at Agclimate.org our site is focused on exploring the science and theories behind global warming, climate change and the Greenhouse Effect. Taking a closer look at what’s happening and what elements might have caused certain reactions helps to further define how we as humans can make changes in our own lives to resuscitate the planet instead of continuing to destroy its natural resources.

Energy conservation and alternative energy (“green” energy and “green” living) only scratch the surface of this complex issue. Wind energy, solar power and other alternative energy ideas are closely examined here in our Learning Center.

Global warming is defined as any period of time during which the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere increase and/or the theory of such changes.

The definition of climate change is a significant, long-term change in the average weather (temperature, precipitation, wind patterns) experienced in any given region.

The greenhouse effect is defined as “the result of heat absorption by certain gases in the atmosphere (called greenhouse gases because they effectively 'trap' heat in the lower atmosphere) and re-radiation downward of some of that heat (http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html#q1).” The concern is not the fact that there is a greenhouse effect, but whether (and how) human activities are leading to an exacerbation of the greenhouse effect due to the emission of greenhouse gases through deforestation and fossil fuel combustion.

An increase in severe weather events such as wildfires, heat waves and strong, frequent tropical storms is attributed indirectly to climate change by some experts.

Articles and elements on this site also explore non-climate factors such as CO2, plate tectonics and solar and orbital variations.

Documented human (anthropogenic) influences include dependence on fossil fuels, aerosols, cement manufacture, land use (build-out) and livestock (at last count - responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions).

Additionally, our map illustrating the current and projected effects of climate change tackles other global phenomena that have been indirectly linked to climate change such as sea levels rising, severe storms, water shortages, species extinction, sea ice reductions, increased disease, unsustainable human development, loss of biodiversity and melting glaciers.

In the near future these global effects could include serious food and water shortages. When sea levels rise, coastal towns and cities are threatened with complete immersion. Glaciers melting around the world threaten any water supply dependent on runoff for drinking water. Millions of species face extinction due to habitat destruction, disappearing and changing ecosystems, and rising acid levels in the oceans.

For even deeper information, included here are links to government and non-profit sites and organizations devoted to educating the public about the destructive effects of human life on planet Earth. Here and many other places on the Web can be found useful articles and lists about ways to reduce this impact and hopefully preserve life on this planet.

Small changes can make a big difference according to Salt Lake City-based marketing consultant Avid Amiri who discovered the truth behind the principle when he decided to do his part in saving the environment.

Tips from Avid Amiri
Having an interest in green initiatives his whole life, Avid Amiri has always strived to make less of an impact on his surroundings. Not being able to do a complete home and business overhaul, he found small ways to help including:
Save Electricity
Although solar panels and energy rated appliances are ideal for making a difference, some people can't afford them. This doesn't mean you can't contribute.

Whenever you leave a room, turn off the lights, unplug your computer and change the air-conditioner/heater settings. Leaving things on and plugged in eat up electricity, even if they aren't in use.

Dishwashers and washers also use most their energy to heat water, so if you can, do a few more cold washes.

By being electricity conscious, you'll not only help save the earth, but can add to your bank balance. Avid Amiri saves these earnings every month and puts them toward energy efficient appliances.

Recycle
Some studies suggest that approximately 100 million trees are used to produce junk mail in the United States every year. Follow Avid Amiri’s example and opt out of pre-approved credit offers and direct mail to save a few of those trees.

And don't forget to see if your city offers recycling services. If your municipality doesn't have a program or for those things you can't recycle, such as milk jugs, repurpose them for planters or other uses.

Save Water
By adding an aerator to your sinks, you can decrease faucet use while still maintaining flow pressure. The aerator adds air bubbles to give you pressure, while reducing water usage.
 
Avid Amiri also believes in the plumbing technique of fixing leaks immediately. Every day a leak goes unfixed, water is wasted.

Water usage around the house can also be minimized by watering your lawn during the early morning or late evening, and by putting a milk jug full of rocks in your toilet tank.

During droughts, governments have asked residents to decrease shower time, but why wait until an emergency? By shaving off even two minutes, you can do your part to conserve usable water.

For more information:

Renewable Energy: Solar Panels