It seems that each passing moment brings more facts about what some scientists say is the greatest challenge that humanity will face global warming. While no experts can really predict what will happen to the earth's atmosphere, the basic science is fairly simple: several gases are responsible for altering the way the earth's surface and atmosphere absorb heat from the sun. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is thought to be the primary gas responsible for the current warming trend. Do you know what is responsible for the majority of carbon dioxide emissions? It's the burning of fossil fuels. While global warming is a complex issue that faces every inhabitant of planet earth, there is one simple solution that everyone can make to help stop global warming. And you don't have to do anything. The Major Issue To Address Is Your Addiction To Your Car That's right, you can help stop global warming by simply not driving! Do you struggle to imagine your life without owning a personal automobile? You're certainly not the only one. America's love affair with the personal automobile has a history so long that it is deeply embedded in our culture. For many, the automobile symbolizes a rite of passage, a higher standard of living and a means to freedom. Unfortunately, the use of personal automobiles is a major cause of global warming. On the bright side, you can make a big contribution to solving global warming by refraining from using your automobile. In the United States, the only sector responsible for emitting more carbon dioxide than transportation is electricity generation. While reforms to make electricity generation could take years of bureaucratic process and infrastructure development, you can take a major step to help stop global warming today by reducing your automobile use. The Solution That Can Help You Stop Global Warming - Walk, Bike, and Use Public Transportation The fossil fuels burned while driving are immense. If you drive 12,000 miles a year in a car that achieves an average of 20 miles per gallon, that activity is responsible for producing six tons of carbon dioxide. This number may seem meaningless, but consider that the average American home and car are responsible for 7.5 tons per capita each over the same year you can see what a tremendous impact driving has on the atmosphere. According to the American Public Transportation Association, traveling by public transportation produces half of the CO 2 as personal vehicles. Walking and biking produce no emissions and provide the additional benefit of giving you a sense of freedom that cannot be afforded by any motorized vehicle. By altering your life in this way, you can be a beacon for others who have yet to take the plunge themselves. Changing light bulbs is not an act that is visible to the public at large. Walking, biking and using public transit are public acts which make a strong statement that you are committed to help stop global warming. By adopting this simple solution yourself, you will inspire others to join in the collective action that is necessary to halt this potential global catastrophe. The Simple Fact Is You Can Be Happier Without Owning Your Own Car If You Make Car Free Living A Major Focus In Your Life If you are still reading, you probably take issue with the the idea of being happier without a car. But many people have kicked their habit of owning a personal vehicle and have not looked back. Once you let go of your addiction, you will notice that your quality of life has improved and the car's singular benefit of convenience will seem bygone . Take a moment to ponder the possible benefits: less time behind the wheel in traffic; a healthier body; one less major possession needing upkeep; more free time and more money. Now consider the fact that the average household in the U.S. spends 17% of its budget on owning and operating personal vehicles . Imagine being liberated from that financial burden! You will be able to spend more money on what you enjoy or perhaps spend less time working. As with other addictions, though, going cold turkey is not always the most effective method. Try first committing to using alternative transportation on one day a week when you would normally use your automobile. As you grow accustomed to this change, make an effort to increase the number of trips you take in this manner. When prepared to realize the full economic benefits of this solution, you can take the final step and sell your vehicle. This may seem like a treacherous transition, but for occasional use, many people make use of car sharing. Car co-ops provide access to car for people who have given up owning a vehicle, but still want occasional access to one. Car sharing is available in hundreds of cities. If none exists in your city, consider starting a car sharing co-op or relocating to an area where you are not so dependent on your own vehicle. Global warming is a major issue and it requires serious action if we hope to help stop the potentially tragic consequences. Giving up your car may seem like a tragic sacrifice, but it pales in comparison to the sacrifices that humanity and the earth will face should we fail to face the "elephant in the room" that is global climate change.
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