Manual: Competent Communicator (CC)
Jan 11, 2008 “The heaviest rainfall in 100 years caused massive landslides and flooding that killed approximately 30,000 people.”
“Fires due to dry conditions and record-breaking heat consumed one-fifth of the island.”
“Temperatures rose to 120F (49C), resulting in the highest one-week death toll on record.”
These are just few samples of numerous calamities happening around us. Do you know what causes such disasters? Yes, Global Warming is the primary cause and we are in some way responsible for that. Fortunately, the solutions to prevent such disasters exist now. More importantly the prevention is in our hands. Fellow Toastmasters and dear guests, I am going to share three easy solutions to prevent or reduce Global Warming.
Vehicle Solution
First, vehicle solution. Transportation accounts for over 30% of CO2 emissions in US. We all know that technology exists today to build fuel-efficient cars to get 40miles or more per gallon. But, do we know that increasing the average fuel mileage from 24 to 40miles is equivalent to taking 44 million cars off the road? Yes, 44 million. Lets see what ‘we’ can do:
a) When you buy your next vehicle, look for one with best fuel economy in its class.
b) When you have more than one car, use the fuel efficient one whenever possible.
c) Better yet, join a carpool or take mass transit.
These actions not only slow down the global warming, but also save you thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.
Energy Solution
Second, energy solution. Like better technology for transportation, the technology to build energy efficient appliances exists at least for past two decades. For instance, energy efficient standards for household appliances kept 53 million tons of heat-trapping gases out of air each year. Here are simple things we can do:
a) When it comes time to replace appliance, look for energy star compliant appliance.
b) Unplug the appliances, especially freezer, when they are not needed. Use water efficiently, because water purification requires energy.
c) Light bulbs matter – Replace regular lights with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights.
Forest Solution
Lastly, forest solution. Besides numerous other benefits, forests play a critical role in climate change: they store carbon, the main ingredient of CO2. Tropical deforestation now accounts for about 20 percent of all human caused CO2 emissions each year.
a) When you shop for furniture, purchase FSC certified timber or wood products. Certification assures that products are made of wood/timber from well-managed forests i.e., forests with min impacts to biodiversity.
b) Save paper whenever and wherever possible. For past 4 months, I have started using handkerchiefs and cloth towels, instead of paper towels. In retrospect, it feels good. If at all you must use paper towels, use only one or limited quantity at a time. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
c) If you want to go an extra-mile, plant trees in your backyard and public areas.
Conclusion
This globe/atmosphere has always provided us with essential resources for our life: the light, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and many more. But, it has never demanded anything in return. Shouldn’t we be grateful and at least conserve those resources? It is our duty to leave this world a better place to live for our descendants. I definitely do not want to hear “Dad! Why did you do this to us?” from my children. Do you?
Fellow Toastmasters and dear guests, treat global warming as your high priority personal problem. The cost of inaction is unacceptably high and we could see severe disasters in our lifetime. We must act now! Solutions are countless, but the three easy solutions mentioned above should help you get started.
“You Shall Reap What you Sow.”
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