Bill Nye, The Science Guy.
Look to our own Northwest science expert, Bill Nye The Science Guy, to say it clearly – global warming is a big issue, but simple solutions exist. One of them is CarpoolMatchNW.org. When you join a carpool or vanpool, you reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the air and help reduce global warming. CarpoolMatchNW.org is funded by The Climate Trust, whose mission is to fund programs and activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Trust retires the rights to any carbon dioxide credits resulting from these projects.
WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING?
Global warming refers to the rise in average temperature worldwide. The scientific consensus is that the extreme warming we see today is largely the result of emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from human activities, including industrial processes, burning fossil fuel, and changes in land use, such as cutting down our forests.
Burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation is Oregon's primary contribution to global warming. Oregon generates about 40 million tons a year of CO2 from all sources. Transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of the problem, but it is the most challenging to address.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Global warming is changing the weather everywhere. While global warming does mean the average earth's temperature goes up, it does NOT mean it gets warmer everywhere. In fact, weather patterns are disrupted and skewed beyond the historical record. In some places it gets hotter, some places colder, some places rainier, some places dryer, etc. In the northwest, that means less snowpack and drier summers, more droughts and forest fires.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Every day the things we do contribute to a serious environmental problem, global climate change. Each time we drive our cars, travel by air, run appliances at home or keep our houses lighted, we emit carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing the climate to change at an alarming rate. When you make a trip somewhere, think about whether you need to drive. Can you find a carpool partner? Can you join a vanpool? Take transit? Walk? Ride your bike? You make a difference – dealing with global warming starts with you and depends on you. Check out
CarbonCounter.org to see how you can make a difference.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO RETIRE MY CO2?
The Climate Trust is at the forefront of reducing CO2 and addressing global warming issues. When you sign up for CarpoolMatchNW, you give The Climate Trust the rights to the CO2 emissions you avoid when you share a ride. The Climate Trust holds these CO2 offsets in trust for the benefit of our environment and the citizens of Oregon. The CO2 market is in its infancy, and The Climate Trust is removing your CO2 pollution today so that it is not sold to another polluter in the future.
CarbonCounter.org is the Climate Trust's website that allows you to calculate how much carbon dioxide you emit into the atmosphere. It empowers individuals to become CO2 free by donating to real projects and programs that reduce carbon dioxide in the environment.
THANKS FOR DOING YOUR PART!!
