One of the most pressing environmental issues facing our nation is the threat of global climate change. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and other trace greenhouse gases. Numerous organizations, including the Pew Center for Climate Change, have produced studies estimating the impact of climate change on our communities, and the forecasts are bleak. In coastal states like Rhode Island, which has about 400 miles of coastline and where a significant portion of the population lives along the coast, the impact of rising sea levels would be downright disastrous. Beach erosion would make our communities more prone to flooding and endanger our tourism-based economy, while the destruction of wetlands would eradicate wildlife habitat – particularly for migratory birds – and reduce the natural buffer against storm surges.
To address the serious problem of global climate change, I am a proud cosponsor of the Safe Climate Act. This legislation would freeze global warming emissions from the U.S. starting in 2009 and aggressively reduce them in subsequent years to reach a goal of 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. The legislation would also require that 20% of U.S. electricity come from renewable sources by 2020 and create new clean car standards to reduce emissions. These efforts will not only benefit our nation's economy through the development and use of new technologies, but they will also reduce our dependence upon foreign oil. As a member of the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Caucus, I will continue my efforts in Congress to promote clean sources of energy and reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions.
Congressman Langevin visits with students at the Southside Community Land Trust Garden
To find out what you can do regarding global climate change, please visit the US Environmental Protection Agency.
Finally, here are ten simple things you can do today to help stop global climate change:
Ten Things To Do (according to www.climatecrisis.net):
1. Change a light
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
2. Drive less
Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often. You'll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don't drive!
3. Recycle more
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.
4. Check your tires
Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than 3%. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere!
5. Use less hot water
It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by installing a low flow showerhead (350 pounds of CO2 saved per year) and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds saved per year).
6. Avoid products with a lot of packaging
You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.
7. Adjust your thermostat
Move your thermostat down just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer. You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.
8. Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
9. Turn off electronic devices
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you're not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
10. Spread the word and encourage others around you to do the same!
