Global warming is one of our most pressing environmental and economic challenges. In order to address the problem, we must first understand it.

Over the last 250 years, we have turned to fossil fuels—carbon-containing oil, coal, and natural gas—to power our factories, trains, ships, trucks, cars, buildings, and homes. Burning these fuels releases carbon as carbon dioxide (CO2), the most prevalent global warming pollutant. CO2 builds up in our atmosphere and acts like a thick blanket which holds more heat, warming up what’s underneath: the earth!

You may hear the terms “global warming” and “climate change” being used interchangeably. This is because global warming is changing our climate.

People Cause It, People Can Fix It

We have changed the climate as a result of our fossil fuel use. However, the solution is just as straightforward and simple: Make smarter personal choices in transportation, future-growth and energy consumption. Each one of us can actually have an impact, in many cases while saving money.

TRANSPORTATION AND SMART GROWTH

• Invest in Alternatives. Rely less on cars and support initiatives to broaden our choices, like bus and rail, and safe bike routes.
• Encourage More Efficient Vehicles & Fuels. Save money while influencing greater change.
• Build Mixed-Use Communities. Reduced sprawl eases transportation emissions and costs

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

• Invest in Increased Efficiency. Squeeze more out of each watt of power with more efficient appliances and technologies.
• Support Renewable Energy. Shift towards alternative energy sources such as wind or solar power.