Global Warming and the Tooth Fairy

An editorial from today's New York Times "Still Out in the Cold" highlights the frustrating lack of progress being made on the issue of global warming and the recent 2-day summit on the topic. The President is still refusing to commit the United States to a sustained, mandatory program to reduce its emissions. The article states: The divide between the United States and its industrial allies in Europe and Japan is easily stated. They want firm, obligatory targets and a clear timetable for reaching them; Mr. Bush prefers a country-by-country, voluntary approach. They believe that the necessary efficiencies and technologies will emerge only when a stiff price is placed on carbon and nations are forced to meet legally binding commitments; Mr. Bush seems to believe they will spring up magically, as if from the Tooth Fairy.

According to the US. Environmental Protection Agency: If greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature at the Earth's surface could increase from 2.5 to 10.4ºF above 1990 levels by the end of this century. Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate. But they are not sure by how much it will change, at what rate it will change, or what the exact effects will be.

Do you have time to wait for the Tooth Fairy?

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10 Ways You Can Help Prevent Global Warming

10.	Plant native, drought-resistant trees and shrubs around your home and outdoor air conditioning unit
9.	Use an electric or push mower instead of a gasoline-powered mower to cut your lawn.
8.	Replace your current home appliances (refrigerator, washing machine, dish washer) with high-efficiency models.
7.	Buy food and other products with reusable or recyclable packaging instead of those in non-recyclable packaging.
6.	Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
5.	Install a solar heated system to provide your hot water.
4.	Recycle your home's waste newsprint, cardboard, glass and metal.
3.	Leave your car at home (walk, bike or take mass transit instead).
2.	Insulate your home, clean your air conditioning filters and install energy efficient showerheads.
	And the number one thing you can do to prevent Global Warming is...
1.	Purchase a fuel-efficient car (rated at 32 mpg or more) to replace your most frequently used automobile.