WE’RE NOT SCIENTISTS. YOU’RE NOT SURPRISED  We're just citizens on an (e)mission to slash CO2. Go ahead, make our day. Read what the climate scientists have to say.

HERE'S WHAT WE'VE LEARNED TO CONVINCE US

Carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases are released by the burning of fossil fuels and the clearing of forests.  These gases rise into the atmosphere, build up,  and function like a blanket, trapping the Earth's heat.  They have built up at an accelerated rate in the last century, trapping more heat and causing a tip in the balance of complex, interdependent climate system.

According to 90% of the world's scientists, human activity is responsible for this imbalance. This quick rise in the Earth’s temperature has already resulted in serious climate changes. If we don't start fixing the problem now, more devastating changes are in store, with little time for humans and animals to adapt to them.

Some of the results of this tip in the balance:

• Decreasing snow cover and sea ice. Some Inuit have already had their lives drastically altered by this.
• Rising sea levels and increases in water temperature. Coastal regions, many of them populated, would be devastated.
• Increasing precipitation over middle and high latitudes. Heavy flooding is probable.
• Severe drought in lower latitudes. Less water means food shortages and starvation.
• Faster spread of disease. As temperatures rise, diseases such as malaria and dengue fever will spread more rapidly.
• Increasing frequency of extreme precipitation. Severe storms, such as hurricanes, will become more prevalant.
• Acidification of the ocean. Many fish species are already suffering and coral reefs are disappearing.
• Local consequences. In Wisconsin the fish population has already begun to show some effects from climate change.  

NEED THE HARD SCIENCE DATA?

Many hyperlinks throughout this website connect to the sources of the information.  There are numerous sites which provide details statistics about emissions and energy usage.

• For a scientific response to developing stories on the topic of global warming and man’s role in it, go to http://www.realclimate.org/, a commentary site on climate science by working climate scientists. 

• For a response to some of the information you may have received countering the notion of global warming and a human hand in it, see http://gristmill.grist.org/skeptics. 

• For an explanation of a carbon footprint and an ecological footprint, see www.safeclimate.net.

• To learn more about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and its recently updated report on climate change, see www.ipcc.ch.

• For a list of many websites covering many scientific topics, go to http://alaricrh.home.sprynet.com/science/science-pages.html#EnergEffComm.

• For a very good explanation about climate change for kids and adults, go to  http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/change.html .