Go Solar Power For Homes

When learning all about writing a blog, one of the first lessons you receive is to always stay tight to your niche, or your theme. Well, as you know, the niche for this site is solar power for homes. It is not a political theme per se, and it does not necessarily refer to climate crisis … but it IS connected.

In a very short time a crucial event for this planet is going to take place. It is an event that will define our response to the climate crisis we are facing. As a clean sustainable alternative energy, solar power does play a major part in this discussion. So, you can be sure that I am going to write about it. With your permission, I may even get a bit political about it!

What is 350ppm?

“If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO2 will need to be reduced from its current 389ppm to at most 350ppm.”
– Dr. James Hansen, NASA

So, 350 parts per million is a number to remember. It represents the safety zone for planet Earth.

Above 350ppm we risk reaching dangerous ‘tipping points’. We don’t know how long we can stay above 350ppm. This number is far outside the range we’ve seen in our recorded history – but we do know that the smart thing would be get back to the safety zone as soon as possible.

350.org is an international climate change campaign calling for a fair Copenhagen climate treaty that aligns itself with the latest scientific views. 350ppm represents the safe upper limit of CO2 in our atmosphere.

Climate Change Impacts

In the last few years, it has become clear that the rise of CO2 in our atmosphere is having an effect much faster and more severely than scientists once predicted. Here are a few examples of impacts we’re already seeing:

Sea Levels are Rising:

Scientists warn they could go up several meters this century, threatening the homes of hundreds of millions of people

Glaciers are Melting:

They’re disappearing fast, and glaciers are the only source of drinking water for hundreds of millions of people.

Oceans are Acidifying :

Warmer and more acidic oceans are killing a vast amount of the world’s coral reefs.

Weather is More Severe:

Hurricanes, typhoons, and droughts are becoming more frequent, more severe, harsher, and more unpredictable.

Mosquitoes are Spreading:

They are being seen thriving in new places, and are bringing malaria and dengue fever with them.

The Problem with the Arctic:

The Arctic is sending us the clearest message that climate change is happening now, and much faster than scientists once thought. In the summer of 2007, the extent of Arctic sea ice decreased by nearly 40%. It is melting so fast that scientists now believe the Arctic could have no ice in the summertime as early as 2013, which is 80 years ahead of what had been predicted just a few years ago.

No longer is there any point to argue whether this is man made or not. What is clearly the case is that climate change is severe and it is upon us right now.

What Can We Do About It?

To get our delicate and precious planet back to 350ppm, we need to act at home and in the streets. A movement is growing to call for widespread political change by taking action on 24 October, the International Day of Climate Action.

On 24 October, 2009 there is an International Day of Climate Action. You too can take part in your community. Visit www.350.org to get involved.

TAKE ACTION

The changes we can make in our personal lives, and in the ways our community deals with food, energy, and waste are all really important parts of addressing climate change and environmental issues locally – and if we all do it, globally.

350.org calls on you, on 24 October, to create your own action ideas to educate your community about climate change. Here’s a few ideas to inspire you …

• Give a presentation (see 350.org for a powerpoint) at a local school
• Hold a teach-in at a university and invite local experts to speak
• Screen a documentary about climate change

How we live our lives is crucial if we are to make the essential shift to turn this climate crisis around. Here are a few places to start:

Eat Better Foods

Grow your own food, buy locally grown or organic food, and organize your community to have farmers markets.

Sustainable Transport

Lace up your shoes, hop on your bike or find your bus or train fare for some low or no carbon ways to get around town.

Write letters to the Editor

Become a local spokesperson by following the news and writing in to the editor when there’s an article about climate change or environment.

Unplug

Unplug your appliances, cell phone charger when you aren’t using them so they don’t waste energy. Wherever possible install solar power and other renewable energy technologies.

Use less stuff

All that unnecessary junk we build up doesn’t necessarily make us happier. Focus on acquiring fewer things you don’t need, and reuse things whenever possible.

Dispose responsibly

Be responsible with the waste you produce. Recycle and compost your food scraps. No recycling program? Start a campaign to get your local council to provide one!

Buy green

When you do need to buy stuff, make sure it’s the most sustainable version of whatever you’re getting – this will help send a message to producers.

Become a Transition Town

Google “Transition Towns” and find out how you can get started transitioning your town away from fossil fuels.

Efficient Lightbulbs

Replace your lightbulbs with compact fluorescents – and then organize a community-wide lightbulb swap.

Elect Climate Champions

Change the system from the inside out and elect climate champions to local office. With your new-found organizing skills, get your friends together, and get the campaign going!

350.org is an international climate change campaign calling for a
fair Copenhagen climate treaty that meets the latest science. 350ppm
represents the safe upper limit of CO2 in our atmosphere. Take part in your
community on 24 October, 2009: An International Day of Climate Action.
Visit www.350.org or contact organizers @ 350.org to get involved.

Info via: 350.org

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