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04.20.10
Local Warming
We've all heard what global warming means for the planet ─ soaring temps,
melting ice caps and flooded coastlines. But what about your backyard? The
science-based environmental advocacy group Union of Concerned Scientists analyzed what global warming means for New England. Here's their unnerving
findings, and what you can do to help curb it.
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CONSEQUENCES
Changing Forests
As temperatures rise and the climate conditions in which New England
forests thrive begin to change, the character of these forests
is expected to change. Maine's spruce/fir forests are particularly
vulnerable. Those forests are vital to the state's nearly $1.4 billion
pulp and paper industry, not to mention their immense scenic and
recreational value. The loss of those forests will also affect the
animal species dependant on them, including Canada lynx and snowshoe
hare. Meanwhile, Vermont would lose much of the climate conditions that
support the state's maple, beech and birch forests. And, winter warming
would disrupt the pattern of freezing nights and warm days necessary for
prime maple syrup production
─ an $11 million
industry in Vermont.
Goodbye Skiing?
If emissions continue unabated, temperatures in the Northeast could
rise 8 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of this century. Those warmer
winters would shorten the ski season, increase snowmaking requirements
and drive-up operating costs. Under this scenario, western Maine is
projected to be the only place in the entire Northeast able to support
viable ski operations toward the end of this century, and only by
substantially increasing snowmaking and, therefore, operating costs.
Bad Air
In New Hampshire, one in ten people suffer from asthma. Global
warming is expected to worsen air quality in the region, putting more
stress on people with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Without
more stringent controls on pollutants, the number of poor air quality
days are expected to quadruple in cities like Concord and Manchester.
Here Comes The
Flood
New England cities such as Boston, Groton and New London are
especially vulnerable to flooding from a rise in sea levels. From
increased erosion to damaging storm surges, these cities and other
coastal areas can expect dramatic flooding on a much more frequent
basis.
SOLUTIONS
Become
Carbon-Conscious
The problem of global warming stems from a lack of
awareness of our “carbon footprint” and its effect on climate.
Individuals and families can start by using one of several publicly
available carbon-footprint calculators that will help you understand
which choices make the biggest difference.
Drive Change
For most people, choosing a vehicle (and how much they should drive
it) is the single biggest opportunity to slash personal carbon
emissions. Each gallon of gas used is responsible for 25 pounds of
heat-trapping emissions.
Energy Star Label
When it comes time to replace household appliances, look for the
Energy Star label on new models (refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air
conditioners, and water heaters use the most energy).
Choose Clean Power
Consumers can purchase electricity from local
utilities generated from renewable resources that produce no carbon
emissions. If your local utility does not offer a “green” option,
consider purchasing renewable energy certificates.
Lightbulbs Matter
If every U.S. household replaced one incandescent lightbulb with an
energy-saving compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL), we could reduce
global warming pollution by more than 90 billion pounds over the life of
the bulbs.
Home Energy Audit
Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many
utilities. Even simple measures (such as installing a programmable
thermostat) can each reduce a typical family’s CO2 emissions about 5
percent.
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