Heatwave: Global grip

[katty]

more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2291760,00.html

The Sunday Times - Britain

The Sunday Times July 30, 2006


Heatwave with a global grip

IT looks like being the hottest July on record but Britain is not alone in experiencing extreme conditions, write Jonathan Leake and Alex Delmar-Morgan.
Hot, arid weather is afflicting millions in America and in dozens of countries across Europe and parts of east Asia.


The phenomenon has surprised meteorologists who are used to seeing drought as a regional, not global, problem. This weekend they said early analysis of the hot weather, together with the size of the areas affected, suggested it was linked to global climate change.

“Greenhouse gas emissions raise the likelihood of heatwaves like this one,” said Dave Griggs, a Met Office representative on the Joint Scientific Committee for the World Climate Research Programme. “By 2040 this will be just an average summer and by 2060 it will be a relatively cool one.”

[Kajsa]

1. Arghhhh!!!

Let's do something before it gets to be as predicted!

I believe there is still time!

[Mabus]

3. We're doing what we can

Over 95% of our laundry is now done in cold water.

As the light bulbs go bad they are being replaced with more efficient bulbs.

We're unplugging most appliances until we need them.

We're walking more and taking public transportation when we can.

We're coordinating our schedules so we can do unrelated errands and shopping trips.

Both of our vehicles get nearly 40 mpg in the city. We also try to keep them serviced and check tire pressure. We car pool more often than we used to.

We've got an old-fashioned lawn mower - no engine. We supply the momentum.

We've done a lot of work insulating the house.

And we're recycling more.

I'm hoping to get at least one tree more planted out front to help block the sun during the summer and to provide a wind break in the winter.

Every little bit helps. It really doesn't take much on a personal level. Now, if we could just get more people to the same.

[klyon]

4. You might find "Cradle to Cradle" interesting it is by McDonough

& Braungart
This is where we must go but it will take a will. A change of mind set.

[Mabus]

6. Thank you

It is now on my list of books to read. I know the lifestyle changes we've made are minimal at this point. I'd be interested in knowing what else we can do.

[klyon]

8. buying carbon shares to offset your usage

I should have a web site? I'll check
We all should read it, it will change your thinking..

[cliss]

7. NICE, Mabus.

Thanks for listing these awesome changes so the rest of us can use them, as well.

As we descend deeper into Dante's Inferno of Global Warming, I hope that more & more people will take your advice.

We will.:smoke:

[azurnoir]

2. Actually I was afraid

that this might already be the norm. If not and we still have time then we MUST do something.

[katty]

5. I think the hourglass is ever so close to running out of time for a fix

[barb162]

9. This one NASA scientist said ten years or else

the tipping point will be reached