- Scientists believe that global warming will lead to rising sea levels (projected to rise 6 feet within the next 100 years, with consequent flooding of coastal areas); species extinction; severe weather including hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts; and the spread of diseases like dengue fever and encephalitis.
- The United States, with only 4% of the world's population, is responsible for 22% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
- While 162 countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the United States has not.
- 720 mayors representing over 53.7 million Americans have signed the Climate Protection Agreement, pledging to reduce global warming emissions in their cities.
- Cars and light trucks account for 40 percent of U.S. oil use. Raising fuel economy standards to 40 mpg--which many other countries have already done--would save more oil than is currently imported from the Persian Gulf and projected from the Arctic Refuge, combined.
- Adjusting your home thermostat (2 degrees lower in winter, 2 degrees higher in summer) would save 2,000 pounds of carbion dioxide emissions and lower your energy bill by approximately $100.
To learn more about what we can do, individually and collectively, to curb the effects of global warming, explore the links on the left-hand side of this page. Volunteer your time and talents to help tackle global warming--the most pressing social, political, moral and scientific issue of our time.
