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Climate 101

Global warming is an urgent social, economic and environmental problem caused by excess "greenhouse gases" (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide and methane. Normally, the natural presence GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere allows life to flourish, insulating us from the absolute cold of space - but pollution from vehicles, power plants and other human sources has caused GHG levels to build up, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and disrupting the global climate. More...

 

How does global warming affect the Northeast?

It impacts our communities, landscapes and local economies.

According to a recent study published by the University of New Hampshire and Clean Air-Cool Planet, Indicators of Climate Change in the Northeast, earlier ice-out, changing bloom dates and reduced snowfall are just a couple of the trends we've witnessed here in the past century. More...

In the News: Melting permafrost "a self-perpetuating climate time bomb." Read more...

In the News: Ice cores reveal carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are at an 800,000-year high. Read more...

In the News: Warming oceans, stronger hurricanes, both result from human-induced global warming. Read more...

What can I do about global warming?

Check out these facts (most courtesy of Environmental Defense):

21  Percent of U.S. carbon pollution produced by individual households.

42  Number of states where electricity customers have the option to buy green power through their utility or an alternative power supplier. (Learn how you can buy green power in your state: www.renewus.org)

200,000 Number of American households that use solar energy.

22  Pounds of global warming pollution emitted per gallon of gas.

25   Percent reduction in home heating bills by insulating attics, pipes, ductwork and flooring.

Green energy, conservation and efficiency, and sensible national policies are the answers to global warming. Learn more.

Read writer Seth Zuckerman's account of his "low-carbon diet," from Sierra.