Global warming : it’s happening more quickly than we thought

The latest from the scientific community is that since 2000, emissions from burning fossil fuels have significantly outpaced the estimates used in 2007 climate study reports, and the pace of global warming has increased much more than predicted. It’s believed that the higher emissions are largely the result of the increased burning of coal in developing countries.

What are the potential penalties to us and our planet if we ignore climate change? ECONorthwest projects that doing nothing to address greenhouse gas emissions could cost the state of Oregon alone about $3.3 billion a year due to increased seasonal droughts and floods, higher air-conditioning costs, higher incidence of climate-associated health problems and deaths, and more frequent wildfires and loss of habitat for species that are vital to the state's economic well being. If you missed our Ticker last week you can learn more here about what’s already happening due to global warming.

The advice from the scientific community: prevent deforestation in the tropics, because lush tropical forests isolate more carbon. Many scientists and policymakers are pushing for incentives to preserve tropical forests, especially as there’s increasing demand to clear these places to grow biofuel crops like soy. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists promoting biofuels without also creating forest-preservation incentives would be "like weatherizing your house and deliberately keeping your windows open.” Want to get involved in protecting tropical forests? Adopt a rainforest!

Reducing energy waste state-by-state = less greenhouse gas emissions

Rocky Mountain Institute says this is key to reducing Americans’ impact on climate change. Each state uses a different mix of resources to produce electricity. Reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned for electricity generation can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If inefficient states achieved the energy efficiency of the top ten performing states, more than 60 percent of coal-fired generation could be displaced across the country. The electric productivity of top performing states -- like New York, Connecticut, and California – provide strong examples of efficiency practices, and how to regulate utilities and implement technologies.  These findings represent a critical opportunity to immediately reduce electricity use and greenhouse gases, and move the U.S. forward as a leader in the new clean energy economy. The next step is to figure out how to cost-effectively close the electric productivity gap. Check out how your state ranks on RMI’s interactive energy efficiency map, and learn how much CO2 could potentially be cut.