Global Warming Awareness

When will we notice?
Global Warming –
2007 must be the year.

The cross-county skis now rest under a two-year blanket of dust. Could it be globalwarming? Awareness that 2007 again will see ski races closed, sled dogs pining in their kennels, and school children playing sliding down the slope towards obesity rather than sliding down hills on flexible flyers is overtakingMinnesota families. The growing season begins in March and lasts until November – no, folks, this isn’t the Pacific Northwest – this is Minnesota. As I prepare to tend roses in March I wonder how long before I will be tending pineapples in my Minnesota garden, and I am struck again by globalwarming awareness. 2007 may be the year I put wheels on my skis to stay in shape.

Poll says students support globalwarming awareness.

2007 college students interviewed in a recent poll agreed that if globalwarming awareness in 2007 would save Florida beaches so they could take their children to visit “the place it all started” the students would support left-wing politicians in promoting globalwarming awareness.

Time to get serious about globalwarming awareness

2007 is the year – we can not afford to wait, and it is no longer a joking matter.

Each person on this planet needs to ask, “What am I willing to do to prevent climate change from destroying species and degrading the quality of life for future generations?” Will a suburban North American family give up the SUV and 150 hp mercury on the bayliner, trading them in for a hybrid vehicle and a canoe? How does that sacrifice compare to the loss a family living in a fishing community in Bangladesh experiences when the ocean not only washes away the family’s home but the land it sat on?

Do you understand the consequences of globalwarming?

Awareness2007 – let’s give it a catchy name and list a few of the facts you should know so you can spread the word about globalwarming:

• Awareness in 2007 is far more general than in previous years that temperatures around the globe are rising. It is becoming increasingly evident that these rising temperatures represent at a minimum long-term warming trends. A growing body of scientists and laymen agree that the rise in temperature represents climate change.
• In the last 100 years average Minnesota temperatures have risen significantly. A 1-degree Fahrenheit rise in temperature may not sound like globalwarming. Awareness2007 proponents will point out, however, that it has been accompanied by a 20% increase in precipitation in parts of the region, and if the trend continues the state’s vegetations and animal species will shift significantly.
• In addition to loss of species that are unable to adapt to a warmer climate and a shift in forest and grassland plant species to new locations globalwarming will mean increased damage from tornadoes and floods. Will we hear hurricane warnings on WCCO?
• New species will move in to our state as a result of globalwarming. Awareness that 2007 or more types of cockroaches (have you seen how big they get in Kansas?), disease-bearing mosquitoes, termites, poisonous snakes, fire ants, and other exotic species we have not had to deal with will invade our fair state might be an effective call to action for our bug-averse populace.
• It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity – ever heard that? Well, guess what – a progression in globalwarming is likely to be accompanied in an increase in humidity and dangerous smog.
• Land of 10,000 lakes – well get ready to see them turn from blue to green and the population of game fish reduced by algae blooms.

Globalwarming Awareness2007: small steps, a better world

Lets talk about what individuals, businesses, and government agencies can do about globalwarming. Awareness is a start, action is what can protect our environment – that means the air we breath, the water we drink, the soil we grow our food in, and the wildlife that enriches our world.

• Individuals, businesses, and government agencies can raise awareness. 2007 should be the year not a day goes by without every person in
  Minnesota seeing or hearing a statement about globalwarming.
• Reduce your electrical usage by turning out lights, using the smaller television, and buying energy-efficient appliances.
• When you do use electricity, use green power. For a very small increase in cost you can purchase power generated by renewable sources rather than coal (a major source of electricity in Minnesota).
• Burn less fuel: get out of your gas-guzzling car and walk, bike, take a bus, or carpool. Combine errands. BUY A MORE EFFICIENT CAR.
• Turn down the thermostat when heating and turn it up when running the air conditioner.
• Plant trees. Donate trees. Ask your city to plant trees to combat globalwarming.
• Use less goods: by recycling or avoiding goods with excessive packaging you force corporations like Best Buy and Target to an awareness that globalwarming-friendly decisions are good business decisions. In 2007 make a commitment to write at least one customer comment card explaining that you made a buying decision at least in part as a friend of the environment.
• Talk about solutions for globalwarming. Awareness of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen fuel cells, solar systems, and technologies for safe nuclear power will promote government and corporate support for those programs.
• Vote green in 2007! Awareness of globalwarming is just the first step – you need to take action as an individual and to influence corporate and public behavior. Will you be able to proudly explain to your grandchildren what you did to help?

Together we can be a powerful force: Join the movement in 2007, promoting awareness of globalwarming and making a difference in the environment.

As a friend of the environment dedicated to spreading awareness in 2007 of globalwarming you will be able to make a difference. Park the car and walk. Buy produce without the package. Paddle rather than motor. You will experience benefits now and in the future.