checklist toward zero carbon
DESCRIPTION
The checklist is a step-by-step guide to comprehensively reducing your carbon footprint now.TRANSCRIPT
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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Checklist Toward ZeroCarbon
Achieving sustainability will enable the Earth tocontinue supporting human life as we know it.
The concept was first proposed as an internationalendeavor in 1987 when sustainability (as sustainabledevelopment) was formally defined by the UnitedNations as development that "meets the needs ofthe present without compromising the ability offuture generations to meet their own needs." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
There is now abundant scientific evidence that humanityis living unsustainably.
Returning human use of natural resources to withinsustainable limits will require nothing less than a majorcollective (global) effort. The transition required toreduce global human consumption to within sustainablelimits involves much larger changes, at all levels andcontexts of society.
CAREERS IN SUSTAINABILITY
The single most impactful jobs in the future willcontribute towards global awareness, development andimplementation of ongoing sustainability measures.A career in any of the following fields would be alifelong commitment to Planet Earth and the survival ofhumanity.
There are indeed many more items that should be inthe rather basic list below. Note the distinction between'old-school' traditional disciplines and the new 'green'career fields; each and every field (which meets thecriteria of sustainability) can and should be made'green'.
Ways of living more sustainably can take many forms:
1. Reorganizing living conditions
• ecovillages
• transition towns
2. Reappraising economic sectors
• art
• advertising
• architecture
• business
• consumerism
• fashion
• industries
• landscape architecture
• packaging
• procurement
• tourism
• transport
3. Reappraising work practices
• sustainable architecture
4. Using science to develop new technologies
• green technologies
• renewable energy
- nuclear energy
- bio fuel
- biomass
- geothermal power
- hydroelectricity
- solar energy
- tidal power
- wave power
- wind power
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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5. Adjustments in individual lifestyles
• Population control
- Birth control
- Family planning
- Overpopulation
- Zero population growth
• Energy conservation
• Recycling
• Housing
• Mobility
• Employment
• Consumerism
• Food
• Leisure
• Health
• Education
6. Managing Environmental Resources
• Atmosphere
• Land
• Fresh Water
• Oceans
• Cultivated Land
• Extinction
• Energy
• Food
• Minerals
• Materials
• Pollution
• etc.
The scope of the problem involves many aspects ofsocial, cultural, economic, and environmental issues.One hardly knows where to begin! We can all start bytaking a step in the right direction, as the compilingeditor of this exciting and comprehensive checklist, KenLevenson, has done. Ken helps us to sort out action fromthe overwhelming evidence that otherwise would occupythe mind in tragic idleness.
The time to act was yesterday. We have some seriouscatching up to do.
Ted Ollikkala (TEDUCATION.com)
Singapore
12 January 2010
Cover Collage: Ted Ollikkala, Photo by Ken Levenson
• CHECKLIST CONTENTSo 00.0 DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST
o 00.1 Foreword
o 00.2 About the Checklist
o 01.0 Your Food
o 02.0 Family Planning & Health
o 03.0 Money and Stuff
o 04.0 Waste
o 05.0 Driving & Flying
o 06.0 Playing & Pets
o 07.0 Your Home
o 08.0 Work
o 09.0 School
o 10.0 Renovation/Construction
o 11.0 Calculate Your Footprint
o 12.0 Consider Carbon Offsets
o 13.0 Conclusion
o 13.1 Epilogue (get political)
o 13.2 Science & Skepticism
o 13.3 Checklist Sources
o 14.0 Climate Change 101 – a short reading listfor everyone
00.1 ForewordSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/about-the-
checklist/
January 12th, 2010
In 2005 the eminent climate scientist Dr. James Hansen said,“We are on the precipice of climate system tipping pointsbeyond which there is no redemption.” Just a few years later,we are now crossing some of those tipping points. It’s timeto stop talking. We must reduce now. Read the checklist.Download it, edit it, make it your own and distribute it.
Melting polar ice will soon disintegrate, raising oceans tothreaten the existence of Miami, New York, Shanghai, Jakarta,Calcutta, Lagos, London and other cities. The polar bears aregoing to die. And 20 to 40% of animal species will be extinctby mid-century. The tropics are turning to desert. Monsoonrains will cease. There will be drought, famine, and millions ofrefugees. We could be among them. Hundreds of millions oflives will be at risk, quite possibly billions. Yes, billions.
We face these consequences not in 1,000 or 100 years, butin our lifetime. We face an emergency, the likes of whichcivilization has never seen. What is to be our legacy?
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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The tipping point for atmospheric CO2 concentration isapproximately 350 parts per million (ppm). Past it we are onthe road to catastrophe. It’s now 383ppm and rising 2ppm peryear.
We need to take immediate action. We must halt the buildingof new coal and gas power plants that don’t capture the CO2they produce, and require the conversion of all existing coalpower plants to capture CO2. If the power plants cannot beconverted, let’s shut them down.
There’s no “silver bullet” to fix the problem – we must alsomassively invest in clean energy sources, forest restoration,public transportation, and in building a carbon neutral society.We need to elect leaders who are serious about this emergencyto every level of government and educate the ones who are not.
Let’s examine our own lives and make them as carbon free aspossible. This checklist is a simple way to get started.
As the dynamic of climate change feeds on itself, shocks lieahead. The previously benign Siberian soil, locked for ages inpermafrost, is now melting, releasing greenhouse gases (GHG)that exceed the total output of U.S. manmade emissions.
The oceans – now absorbing 2 billion tons of CO2 annually– are becoming acidic dead zones. Eventually if they tipthey’ll switch to being massive CO2 emitters, radically raisingatmospheric temperature and sea levels.
While the challenges are enormous, let’s start with what weeat and how we live and work. Let’s begin by eliminating ourpersonal carbon footprint.
Please read the lists. Think about it. Let’s all do what we can.
Ken Levenson
Feb 29, 2008 (edited 2009)
00.2 About the ChecklistSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/133-about-the-
checklist/
January 12th, 2010
The checklist is a step-by-step guide to comprehensivelyreducing your carbon footprint now. It’s a cut-and-paste job,compiled by Ken Levenson.
It is hoped that people will download the checklist, copy it, editit for their local conditions, and make it their own.
Sensing many want to start fighting climate change, yet aren’tsure what the options are – a Park Slope Civic Council forumon sustainability provided the deadline to make the initialchecklist.
Launched in February 2008, the checklist was fine-tunedwith the help of many. To acknowledge a few: Eric McClure’sproofreading/editing, Ellen Honigstock’s springboard ofinitial sustainability lists, and my wife Katherine’s essentialsupport.
Ken Levenson is a principal in Levenson McDavid ArchitectsP.C., and a concerned father, living in Brooklyn.
The header picture is of our eldest daughter – and I’m hopingwe can ensure she’s walking toward a better future. Let’s getto zero now.
01.0 Your FoodSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/your-food/
January 12th, 2010
1. Don’t eat beef - or at least much less beef. Goingvegetarian is best, but less is a start. (If you do just onething, do this.)[1](high impact)
2. Chicken in lieu of beef is better too.[2]
3. Stop eating all that processed food – or at least eat muchless. (high impact)
4. Read by Michael Pollan. (Quick read. Very informative.)
5. Don’t eat fish or eat significantly less. Buy sustainablyharvested wild fish when possible.[3]
6. Find out which fish are sustainable and which aren’t atFishonline.
7. Monitor what you eat and don’t eat.[4](high impact)
8. Buy organic when possible. [5] See Organic Food Info.
9. Become a locavore and buy regionally grown food.[6](high impact)
10. Find local farmers and consider a community supportedagriculture subscription (CSA) at Local Harvest.
11. Shop at the local Farmer’s Market.
12. Consider joining the Park Slope Food Coop.
13. If you can’t get it locally buy fair-trade food.[7] Find outmore at Fair Trade Resource.
14. Grow your own food if you have the space. Some if notall. The more the better. Read Food Not Lawns byHeather C. Flores. (high impact)
15. No decent soil? Use pots.
16. Drink tap water, not bottled water. Tap water is safe,clean and just as good for you. If you have concerns, filterthe tap water.
[5] Note that while studies show GHG is lowered for someorganic products such as wheat and potatoes, for others suchas eggs, milk and chicken the GHGs can actually be greaterunless additional mitigation is utilized in their production.
[7] Commonly found fair-trade foods include: coffee, tea,chocolate, cashews, olive oil, rice sugar, hearts of palm,salmon, honey, salsa, jam and syrup.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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02.0 Family Planning & HealthSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/20-family-
planning-health/
January 12th, 2010
2a. Family Planning:
Global overpopulation is the single biggest contributor to theclimate crisis we face. While perhaps an uncomfortable subjectto speak of, it must be if we are serious about saving the planetas we know it.
1. Prevent unplanned pregnancies. (high impact)
2. Plan in a way that makes sense for you – but plan.Two, of many, possible sources for guidance: PlannedParenthood , The Catholic Church
3. If you’re thinking about having a second child, consideradoption.
4. If you’re thinking about a third or fourth child, really,really consider adoption.
2b. Your Health:
The U.S. spends 16% of its gross domestic product on healthcare, the highest percentage in the world. Needless to say,health care in America has a massive carbon footprint.
1. Don’t smoke.
2. Reduce sugars[1], high fructose corn syrup and sodas.
3. Reduce white flour and white rice.
4. Reduce fried and processed foods.
5. Eat and drink in moderation.
6. Get a regular medical check-up.
7. Get enough sleep.
8. Exercise and control your weight. (walk, ride your bikeand take the stairs instead of the elevator!)
9. Practice good dental hygiene.
10. Keep yourself healthy with preventative care with all theabove. (high impact)
[1] Sugar can cause or make worse: diabetes, obesity, immunesystem suppression, hyperactivity in children, alcoholism,arthritis, asthma, heart disease, gallstones, osteoporosis, sometypes of cancer and cataracts.
03.0 Money and StuffSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/money-
shopping-stuff/
January 12th, 2010
1. Every consumer dollar spent on new stuff putsapproximately .5 lbs of carbon into the atmosphere. Theaverage American spends $10,000 per household, peryear on consumer goods. (Things like gifts, toys, music,books, tools, household goods, cosmetics, toiletries,paper goods, etc… But not including things likemortgage, health care, debt service, car payments, etc…)A 90% cut would be $1,000 per household, per year.[5]
2. Watch the online video “The Story of Stuff with AnnieLeonard”. And monitor what you buy. (high impact)
3. Give special attention to major purchases.
4. Purchase recycled products.[6]
5. Purchase green products and avoid “green-washed”products. They say they’re green but the labels may tella different story.
6. Shop locally at locally owned businesses. Invest in avibrant local economy – so you never have to drive.
7. Purchase natural and concentrated cleaningproducts.[7]
8. Buy Green beauty products.[8]
9. Use organic dry cleaning.
10. Or avoid buying clothing that requires dry cleaning.
11. Consider natural, organic-fiber clothing.[9]
12. Use Freecycle – people who are giving (and getting) stufffor free in their own towns.
13. For fashionistas: Clothing Swap and Swap Style.
14. More green wardrobe choices.
15. Reuse construction material and equipment. PlanetReuse.
16. Online vendors in green goods: Make Me Sustainable.
17. Rediscover your local library.
18. Buy staple items in bulk or in the largest size possible.
19. Don’t buy over-packaged items. Avoid individuallywrapped single servings.
20. Buy fresh foods instead of canned.
21. Buy music downloads and avoid the packagingaltogether.
22. Say no to Styrofoam.
23. When shopping, bring your own bags to use.
24. Employ a mix of the above strategies that work for you. (high impact)
[2] McKinsey Global Institute reports that with targetedannual investment of $170 billion, investors could cut by halfthe rate of projected global energy growth over the next 13years – while earning an average annual return of 17 percent.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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[3] While all oil companies are problematic, ExxonMobil isalone in denying the urgency of the problem and is activelyundermining the public’s understanding of climate change byfunding bogus front groups and think tanks. Exxpose Exxon.
04.0 WasteSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/30-waste/
January 12th, 2010
1. Audit and reduce your garbage.[1] (high impact)
2. Work to reduce your waste a little bit more ever day: Eco-Cycle can help.
3. Recycle paper, metal and plastics per NYC law.[3]
4. Consider recycling the plastics NYC won’t accept at thePark Slope Food Coop.[4]
5. Opt out of mail order catalogs you don’t want throughCatalog Choice.
6. Stop junk mail. Go to Eco-Cycle.
7. Donate or sell your castoffs: Freecycle, NYC StuffExchange, Clothing Swap, Swap Style.
8. Sell it on EBay, Craig’s List or on the stoop.
9. Recycle what you can’t sell or give away.
10. Cell phones[5] and rechargeable batteries – Call 2Recycle.
11. Shoes – Reuse a Shoe.
12. Carpet – Carpet America Recovery Effort.
13. Computers – Electronics Take Back Coalition.
14. Building supplies – Habitat for Humanity.
15. CDs & DVDs – Green Disk.
16. Say “No” to disposables.
17. Use reusable shopping bags. [6]
18. Use cloth napkins.
19. Use dish towels instead of paper towels.
20. Don’t use disposable plates, cups, or silverware.
21. Use rechargeable batteries.
22. Compost! If you live in an apartment, compost at yournearest community garden. A great source of nutrientsfor plants and gardens.
23. Place a water bottle in your toilet tank and reduce thevolume of water you use.
24. Your laptop is about five times more energy-expensiveto make than a car or fridge. So upgrade firstbefore you replace. Install more memory or fasterprocessor. Reuse. Give your PC away. Recycle. Manymanufacturers will take your machine when you buy anew one.
25. Feeling like no matter what you do it’s just not enough? Install an Envirolet composting toilet!
[4] The Coop has three collection days each month, and bestof all, they accept plastics from any neighborhood resident(excluding businesses), not just Coop members.
[6] If you forgot your bag and need to choose between paperand plastic, while debatable, the carbon reduction advantagegoes to paper as it is more easily reused and recycled.
05.0 Driving & FlyingSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/driving-flying-
and-playing/
January 12th, 2010
1. Set concrete goals for reducing your travel. (high impact)
4a. Driving:
1. Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportationinstead. (high impact)
2. Get a hybrid.
3. Trade in the SUV or truck for a higher mileage car.
4. Get a diesel engine and run it on local used cooking oil.Check out Tri-State Biodiesel, Fill Up for Free and GreaseCar for more info.
5. Use bio-fuel with caution.[1]
6. Consolidate trips: don’t drive until you’ve got a fewerrands.
7. If you drive to work, share your commute.
8. Maintain your car’s fuel efficiency. Tune it up. Changethe oil. Fix a cracked or missing gas cap. Strip therack when not in use. Unload the trunk. Maintainrecommended tire pressure.
9. Drive the speed limit.[2]
10. And stop driving like a maniac – those abrupt starts andstops can cost you up to 37%in fuel efficiency.
11. Use cruise control on the highway.
12. Avoid excessive idling.
13. Don’t top off the fuel tank.
14. Need a car service? Try NYC Green Car.
4b. Flying:
1. Don’t fly.[3](high impact)
2. Take a train instead of flying.
3. If you must fly: Book direct flights. One stop-over ona 3,500 mile trip will produce 25% more carbon dioxidethan flying direct. Fly in a newer, more fuel-efficientplane.[4] And consider buying carbon offsets to balancespecific trips.
4. The best frequent flier miles are those unspent. Donateyour miles to the Red Cross, Make a Wish Foundation,the National Marrow Donor Program or a charity of yourchoice.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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[1] Biofuels, — made from surgarcane, corn, palm andsoybeans — were once thought to be a miracle, reducinggreenhouse gases and employing farmers. Recent studiesin Science and Nature conclude that whenproduced onconverted lands, biofuels will effectively emit more GHGs thanthe fossil fuels they displace. Where farmers have changedfrom growing feed corn to fuel, no such problem exists. So thetrick is to get your biofuel from properly managed land. Newland use regulations will be required to insure that the use ofbiofuels fulfill their promise of net reductions.[2] The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every5 mph above 60, the decreased fuel efficiency costs $0.20 agallon.
[3] Air travel currently contributes about 3 percent of globalcarbon emissions as well as nitrous oxide which has double theimpact of CO2. Air travel is set to triple by 2030.
[4] Such as the Airbus A340 or A380 or Boeing 787Dreamliner.
Two people in a Prius is actually 33% less CO2e/passenger-mi than taking Amtrak (120g/p-m vs. 180g/p-m). Not allpublic transportation is efficient. If it electric (trolley, light rail,BART), it is probably efficient. If it is diesel, it may not be (itdepends on whether it is full or not).
06.0 Playing & PetsSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/50-playing-pets/
January 12th, 2010
1. Remind yourself what it is you’re trying to save: theenvironment we’ve got. Get out and enjoy: City parks. State parks. National parks.
2. Carry it in, carry it out.
3. Observe wildlife, don’t disturb.
4. Hike, row, sail, ski, or paddle – don’t motor. (highimpact)
5. Don’t Cruise.[1] Or consider a sailing cruise.
6. Take vacations close to home. (high impact)
7. For green vacation tips check out Green Globetrotter,The International Ecotourism Society, Traveling theGreen Way and Whole Travel.
8. Share books, CDs, tapes, magazines with friends,hospitals, and prisons.
9. Throw a party and raise consciousness. Or join thefestivities planned for Earth Day , Clean up the WorldDay or World Car Free Day.
10. Throwing a party and cannot avoid disposable platesand utensils? Use BagasseWare plates and SpudWarecutlery.
11. Plan a green wedding celebration at Ethical Weddings.
07.0 HomeSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/7-0-your-home/
January 12th, 2010
1. Average US electrical usage is 11,000 kwh per household,per year, or about 900 kwh per household per month. A90% reduction would mean using 1,100 per household,per year or 90 kwh per household, per month.[1]
2. Switch your home’s electrical power source to wind and/or solar or hydro power. ConEd and other utilities obtainpower from traditional and green sources and you canchoose green, which adds approximately $10/month toyour electric bill. Help push the utilities to produce morerenewable energy. Go to Power Your Way. (high impact)
3. Sub-size it. Houses between 1,500 and 2,000 s.f.consume 40% less energy than a 4,000+ s.f. McMansion. (high impact)
4. If you’re moving, choose a home near publictransportation, and use it. (high impact)
5. If you’re moving, consider a row house or an apartmentbuilding instead of a detached home. Promote theconstruction of energy-efficient apartment buildingsover single-family homes. (high impact)
6. Consider living in a cohousing community - anintentional community that not only increases socialinteraction but through it, typically encourages a widerange of sustainable living practices. Find one in yourarea or start a new one.
7. Consider renovating an old home rather than buildingnew.
8. Rehabilitate, renovate, reuse and preserve.[2] Getresources at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
9. Whether renovating or building new, single familyor multi-family, consider Passive House constructionstandards to truly achieve 90% energy reduction andoptimal light and air quality too. Visit the PassiveHouse Institute US or where it originated, the PassivhausInstitut. (high impact)
10. Conduct a Home Energy Audit - do-it-yourself via theU.S. Department of Energy Lawrence Berkley NationalLaboratory’s Home Energy Saver. Or hire a certifiedhome energy audit professional through the ResidentialEnergy Resources Network. (high impact)
11. Monitor your home electrical use. Real time accessto your household’s energy information will allow youto smartly reduce your electric bill. Use The EnergyDetective (TED) to give you a fascinatingly detailedpicture of how you use electricity in real time. Availablethrough Energy Circle and TerraPass among others. (In the future Google will also be offering Power Meteracross the U.S.) (high impact)
7a. Re-Insulate:
1. If your home is more than 10 years old, it is probablyunder-insulated.[3]
2. Install as much insulation as possible – install as manyof the itmes listed below as possible. (high impact)
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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3. Weather stripping and caulking - Probably the leastexpensive, simplest, most effective way to insulate andcut down on energy waste in the winter. Improperlysealed homes can waste 10 to 15% of the homeowner’sheating dollars. Check around doors and windows forleaks and drafts. Add weather stripping and caulk anyholes you see that allow heat to escape. Make sure doorsseal properly.
4. If your windows leak really badly, consider replacingthem with newer, more efficient ones. Keep in mind,however, that replacing windows can be expensive.
5. Every duct, wire or pipe that penetrates the wall orceiling or floor has the potential to waste energy.Plumbing vents can be especially bad, since they beginbelow the floor and go all the way through the roof. Sealthem all with caulking or weather-stripping.
6. Electric wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in.Purchase simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fitbehind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.
7. Roofs - Install a green roof – plantings provide buildinginsulation in summer, and site water management. SeeGreen Roofs for Healthy Cities.
8. Windows & Doors – Close the blinds on hot summerdays, open them on cool winter days.
9. Install window quilts.
10. Use storm doors and windows in cool environments.
11. Install high-performance windows when it’s time toreplace them.
12. Heating and Cooling Systems – Examine your house’sheating ducts for leaks. Mostly out of sight, ducts can leakfor years without you knowing it. You can save roughly10% of your heating bill by sealing them.
13. Insulate hot water pipes.
14. Fireplace -Avoid using the fireplace when the heatingsystem is on.
15. Install fireplace inserts (doors and circulation blowers)so less warm air goes up the chimney when the fireplaceis going.
16. Don’t forget to close the damper on your fireplace whennot in use.
7b. Heating:
1. US average natural gas usage is 1000 therms perhousehold, per year. A 90% reduction would mean areduction to 100 therms per household, per year.[4]
2. Heating Oil (this is used by only about 8% of all UShouseholds, mostly in the Northeast). Average US usageis 750 Gallons per household, per year. A 90% cut wouldmean using 75 gallons per household, per year.[5]
3. Wood. This is a tough one. The conventional line is thatwood is carbon neutral, but, of course, wood that isharvested would have otherwise been absorbing carbonand providing forest. There are good reasons to beskeptical about this. Therefore wood is divided into two
categories.[6] Locally and sustainably harvested, andeither using deadwood, trees that had to come downanyway, coppiced or harvested by someone who replacesevery lost tree. This is deemed carbon neutral, and youcan use an unlimited supply. This would include streettrees your town is taking down anyway, wood you cuton your property and replant, coppiced wood (that is,you cut down some part of the tree but leave it to grow),and standing and fallen deadwood. You can use as muchof this as you like. Wood not sustainably harvested, ortransported long distances, or you don’t know. 1 cord ofthis is equal to 15 gallons of oil or 20 therms of naturalgas.
4. Have your heating system cleaned and inspectedregularly by a qualified contractor.
5. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 60degrees at night and when no one is home. Each degreeover 68 can increase by 3 percent the amount of energyyou use for heating.
6. Put on a sweater. There are numerous ways to improvehome heating efficiency, but none so simple as dressingwarmly and dialing back the thermostat.
7. Install a programmable thermostat and set it to turndown the heat at night and when no one is home.Lowering the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hoursa day can save you about 10 percent a year on heatingcosts. (high impact)
8. Keep drapes or furniture away from radiators andbaseboard heaters so heat can flow freely.
9. Remove window air conditioners when the weather getscool. If you can’t, enclose them with a cover.
10. Open blinds and shades, particularly on the south andwest sides of your home before you leave in the morningto make use of the sun’s heating potential.
11. Use an efficient humidifier to maintain comfortablehumidity levels and help you conserve heat. Properhumidity helps you feel comfortable without turning upthe heat.
12. Use ceiling fans to circulate warm air in winter, especiallyin rooms with high ceilings.
13. Close doors and warm-air vents in unused rooms, but inextreme cold, be aware of water pipes that could freezeand burst.
14. If you have a hot-water heating system, release anytrapped air from radiators.
15. Radiators can lose heat into exterior walls. Reduce thisloss by placing reflectors between the wall and theradiator.
16. Clean or replace filters for your hot-air furnace and heatpump every month during the heating season or usefilters made to run six to 12 months before needingreplacement.
17. Insulate any hot-water pipes that pass through unheatedspaces. For steam pipes, use nonfoam insulation, as foamcan melt.
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18. When buying a new furnace or boiler, look for theENERGY STAR label.
19. When you’re away turn the thermostat down to 50degrees.
7c. Air Conditioning:
1. Dress cool: don’t turn on the air conditioning. (Sweatingit out could be good training for a hotter planet.)
2. Switching to high-efficiency air conditioners andreducing your air-conditioning use can cut your coolingcosts by 20 to 50 percent.
3. Install properly sized high efficiency AC units. A larger-than-needed air conditioner cycles on and off morefrequently, reducing its efficiency.
4. Inspect and clean your air conditioner or cooling systemregularly. A well-maintained unit uses less electricity.
5. If you have central air conditioning, keep the condenserunit’s coils and fins clean. Remove grass, leaves, andother debris that may collect.
6. Set your air conditioner to no cooler than 78 degrees.Lower than 78 degrees can increase your costs by up to40 percent.
7. Install ceiling fans or whole house fans to help reduceyour need to use the air conditioner. A fan will make aroom feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler, making it possible toraise the thermostat from 78 degrees to 82 degrees orhigher. For every degree you raise the air conditioningthermostat, you can save 7 to 10 percent on cooling costs.
8. Alternate the use of air conditioning and fans. Whenyou’re comfortable, shut down your air conditioner andturn on the fan. This approach can cut air conditioneruse by up to 40 percent.
9. Don’t air-condition an empty room.
10. Whenever the outdoor temperature is below 72 degreesopen windows for cooling in lieu of A/C.
11. Turn your air conditioner off when you leave home.
12. Install a programmable thermostat or use a timer to turnon your air conditioner a half hour before you returnhome rather than having it run all day.
13. If you have central air-conditioning, consider ConEdison’s offer of a free programmable thermostat. VisitConEdison and find out more.
14. Clean or replace air-conditioner filters at least once amonth during the cooling season.
15. Shade windows that face south, east, and west. Keepwindows, drapes, and shades closed during the day.About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes in throughwindows.
16. Install your air conditioner in a shady area, if possible.
17. When it’s time to cook in the summer months, grilloutside and keep your oven off.
18. In the summer months, run your washing machine,dryer, and dishwasher early in the day or at night whenit’s generally cooler.
7d. Water Consumption & Heating:
1. The Average American uses 100 Gallons of water perperson, per day. A 90% reduction would mean 10 gallonsper person, per day.[7]
2. Visit the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
3. Next to heating or cooling, water heating is typically thelargest energy user in the home. To conserve energy,conserve hot water.
4. Plan on buying an energy efficient water heater beforeyour old one fails. If your gas water heater is more than10 years old, it may be operating at less than 50 percentefficiency.
5. Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
6. If appropriate, consider a demand water heater that hasno storage tank. It can reduce your energy use by 10 to15 percent.
7. Wrap your hot-water storage tank with an insulationblanket. If it’s a newer model check to confirm it doesn’tvoid the warrantee and is fully compatible.
8. Fix leaky faucets.
9. Don’t leave the water running while washing dishes.
10. Take showers rather than baths. Showers generally usehalf as much hot water as baths. And install a low-flowshowerhead. And take shorter showers. And shut off theshower while soaping, scrubbing, or shaving.
11. Shut off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
12. Install a low-flow toilet.
13. Install a rain barrel to reduce storm runoff and to wateryour garden. www.rainbarrelguide.com
7e. Lighting
1. Use ENERGY STAR-qualified compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They use less than 25 percent of theelectricity standard bulbs use and last 10 times longer.Look for color temp 2700K to provide similar lightquality to incandescent. Recycle used CFL bulbs.
2. Consider light emitting diode (LED) lights for mostpossible savings. Available for under-cabinet kitchenlighting and a growing number of applications.
3. For CFLs the best light bulb selector I’ve found is at theEnvironmental Defense Fund’s Find an Energy-SavingLight Bulb. It is an easy to use, common sense andcomprehensive guide to the myriad of options, includingdimmable, 3-way and outdoor light bulbs. We hope theywill be adding LEDs soon.
4. Turn off lights when not in a room. If family memberswon’t turn off the lights, install motion sensors.
5. During the day, let daylight do the work and turn offlights near windows.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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6. Install light tubes to increase natural lighting.
7. Instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the lightwhere you need it.
8. Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
9. Replace light switches with dimmers or motion sensors.
10. Use bright lights only where you read or work.
11. When you go away, use timers to turn your lights on andoff.
12. Turn off outdoor lights. Choose lights with dawn/dusksensors. If you can, get lights powered by solar panelsand batteries so that you don’t have to install anyelectrical wires.
7f. Electronics:
1. Don’t watch television, or watch as little as possible. Ourflat screens are beautiful power-sucking monsters.
2. If buying a new TV, get an LCD.[8]
3. Turn off stereos and TVs with a power strip to avoidcontinuous power drain. In the average home, nearly75% of all electricity used to power electronics isconsumed by products that are switched off but stillplugged in.
4. Unplug chargers (think cell phones and iPods) when notin use.[9]
5. Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer.[10]
6. Ensure your computer’s power settings are enabled: setyour computer to automatically hibernate and set yourmonitor to automatically sleep.
7. Turn off your monitor when you leave your computer formore than 20 minutes. Screen savers use electricity.
8. Recycle your rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. Go to Call 2 Recycle.
7g. Appliances
1. Appliance over 15 years old should typically beretired.[11]
2. Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances.[12]
3. Use the energy-saving setting for all appliances,particularly your refrigerator, air conditioner, washingmachine, dryer, and dishwasher.
4. Clean and maintain appliances so they work efficiently.
7h. Refrigerator:
1. If your refrigerator is old, think about replacing it. Someolder models may account for up to 50 percent of yourmonthly electricity bill.
2. Make sure your refrigerator is the right size for yourneeds.[13]
3. Don’t keep that old, inefficient refrigerator running inthe basement for occasional use.
4. Resist the temptation to overfill the refrigerator. Looselystored food in the refrigerator allows air to circulatearound it.
5. In the freezer, pack items tightly. If there’s extra space,add bags of ice.
6. Set your refrigerator to 40 degrees, and freezer to 0degrees.
7. Open the refrigerator and freezer doors only whennecessary.
8. Check your refrigerator door’s seal.
9. Install your refrigerator away from the stove, radiator,heating duct, or direct sunlight, if possible.
10. Allow hot foods to cool before putting them in therefrigerator.
11. Cover liquids in the refrigerator. Uncovered liquids makethe refrigerator work harder.
7i. Cooking:
1. Use a microwave rather than an electric or gas oven asmuch as possible.[14]
2. For certain recipes that require long cooking times, usea Crock-Pot.
3. Use copper-bottom pots and pans. They heat up fasterthan regular pans.
4. When baking, preheat your oven no more than five toeight minutes.
5. When broiling or roasting, don’t preheat your oven.
6. Don’t open the oven door more than necessary. Everytime you open the door, the oven loses 25 to 50 degrees.
7. Cook as much of your meal as possible at one time in theoven.
8. You can turn the oven temperature down 25 degreeswhen using glass or ceramic pans. The cooking time willremain the same.
9. Use the self-cleaning oven feature right after you’ve usedthe oven to cook a meal – while it’s still hot. (But try notto use this feature too often.)
10. An electric kettle generates about half as muchgreenhouse gas as using a microwave oven or a cook top.Be careful not to boil more water than you need.
7j. Dishwasher:
1. Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.
2. Don’t run the dishwasher’s dry cycle. Let your dishes airdry, or put a towel to them.
3. Turn down the water temperature on the dishwasher to120° F
4. Use the energy-efficient setting if available.
5. Pack your dishwasher efficiently.
6. Scrape dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.Don’t rinse.[15]
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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7. Use the “soak” or “prewash” dishwasher setting only forburned-on or dried-on food.
7k. Laundry:
1. Use your clothes washer only when it is full.
2. Wash and rinse your clothes in cold water.
3. Straighten and clean the air ducts on your dryer.
4. Clean the lint filter in the clothes dryer before each load.
5. Don’t overdry your clothes. [16]
6. Better still, use a clothes line to dry.
7. More esoteric is a drying closet. Washed, wet clothingis hung in a closet acting also as the return air plenumto your home’s ventilation system, and passively dried inthe process.
7l. Yard:
1. Plant deciduous trees that shade your home during thesummer. Or just plant a tree. And plant a sidewalk treetoo. Check out Trees New York and Million Trees NYC.
2. Utilize Xeriscaping.[17]
3. Use natural pesticides.
4. Use a rake, not a leaf blower.
5. Create a more porous exterior walkway, driveway or yardto reduce storm-water runoff.
6. Consider drip irrigation.
7. Take your yard global. Adopt some rain forest. Visit TheNature Conservancy’s Adopt an Acre.
7m. Home Renovation:
1. If a renovation is in the cards, consider:
2. Integrating natural cooling techniques such as operableskylights to vent hot air.
3. On-site renewable energy sources:
4. Geothermal Heating and Cooling – see NY Stateprograms.
5. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels – see more NY Stateincentives.
6. Solar Thermal Water Heating – see U.S. DOE info on thesubject.
7. Wind Turbine Electric – see NY State programs.
8. Reuse construction material and equipment. See PlanetReuse.
9. For new millwork and cabinetry use wood substrate thatis urea- and formaldehyde-free.
10. Flooring – consider certified woods, natural linoleum,cork or bamboo.
11. Maintain and re-use existing walls and buildingcomponents where possible
12. Use low – VOC (volatile organic compounds) sealants,adhesives, paints, coatings and carpets.
13. Use green insulation materials: blown-in cellulose andrecycled denim.
14. During construction, work with the contractor to divertas much waste as possible from the landfill – manymaterials can be recycled or sold.
[1] Riot 4 Austerity[2] Renovating, rather than building a new home capturesthe “embodied energy” of the existing structure. Restorationproduces less waste and uses less energy.
[3] Heat loss due to inadequate insulation can account for 30%of home heating and cooling costs. Most heat escapes throughthe roof as heat in the home rises, so a properly insulated atticis a priority for an energy efficient home.
[8] LCDs consume 30 to 40 percent less power than a plasmaof similar size. (And do you really need a 40″ screen?)
[9] Only 5% of the power drawn by a cell phone charger is usedto charge the phone. The other 95% is wasted when it is leftplugged into the wall.
[10] A typical laptop, while plugged in, uses 50 watts of energycompared to the typical desktop system that uses about 270watts (including the CPU and monitor), making a laptop 80%more efficient.
[11] The good news is that about 80 percent of a refrigeratoror a clothes washer is recyclable.
[12] Energy Star appliances use 10 to 50 percent less electricitythan standard models. Look for the yellow EnergyGuidelabel to help you compare the efficiency of different majorappliances. Visit Energy Star.
[13] Bigger isn’t better. Refrigerators with the freezer oneither the bottom or top are much more efficient than thosewith side-by-side doors-even more so when through-the-door icemakers and water dispensers are included. Thesefeatures will increase your refrigerator’s energy use by 14%to 20%. Bottom freezer models are the most efficient, usingapproximately 16% less energy than side-by-side models and3% less than top freezer models.
[14] Microwaves use less than half the power of traditionalovens. And up to 90% of the energy used by traditional ovensis wasted.
[15] Rinsing dishes under running hot water before putting indishwasher can use more hot water than the dishwasher itself.
[16] Except for towels, no more than 10-15 minutes drying istypically required.
[17] Xeriscaping is a comprehensive approach to landscapingfor water conservation. Principles include: planning andselecting plants for your regional and microclimate. Limitingturf. Efficient irrigation and use of mulches.
This post is full of information and the links to the governmentsite or energy sites are just wonderful. Thanks for putting upthis post. My buddy decided that he will do his own energyaudit. It is amazing that how much information is really out
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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there and even someone like my buddy Mike who is notinvolved with home renovation or construction was able to dohis own audit.
08.0 WorkSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/5-work/
January 12th, 2010
1. Work at home.
2. Telecommute.
3. Ask your company to calculate its footprint.
4. Ask your company to install bicycle racks and use them.
5. Find alternatives to traveling to a meeting: use theold-fashioned phone, use video and web conferencingsoftware. Meet virtually in Second Life.
6. Switch your company’s electrical utility provider to greenenergy via Power Your Way.
7. Turn off the screen saver and let your computer sleepduring the work day.
8. And turn off the computers at the end of the day.
9. Send e-mails and electronic copies whenever possible.
10. Scan or print-to-pdf everything and store and send aselectronic files. Make the paperless office a reality.
11. Invoice via email only and pay bills with a credit card orelectronically directly from bank account.
12. Does it really need to get there absolutely, positivelyovernight? Use the U.S. Postal Service.
13. Need to ship something – consider carbon-balancedshipping.
14. Reduce paper usage.[1] Use the Environmental DefenseFund’s Paper Calculator.
15. Use 100% recycled paper.
16. Preview your documents and proofread them carefullybefore you print
17. Print only the necessary information.
18. Copy reports and memos double-sided.
19. Circulate, don’t copy, paperwork.
20. Reuse tubes and envelopes for mailing.
21. Recycle scrap paper.
22. Use a laptop in lieu of a desktop.
23. Add greenery – houseplants can remove toxins fromindoor air.[2]
24. Use a mug at work – not paper or Styrofoam cups. Andno disposable stirrers.
25. Use silverware and plates.
26. Drink less coffee.
27. No bottled water – drink tap water.
28. Talk and share. Start an electronic bulletin board wherecarbon-reducing ideas can be posted.
29. Have your company consider purchasing carbon offsetsto balance its footprint.
30. Check out ClimateBiz, a green resource for businesses.
[2] Spider plants and peace lilies can remove carbonmonoxide, and Ficus and Aloe Vera the formaldehyde oradhesives found in furnishings.
09.0 SchoolSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/7-school/
January 12th, 2010
1. Join the Green School Initiative.
2. Encourage your school to switch to green power viaPower Your Way.
3. Install solar PV panels at your school with stateincentives via School Power Naturally.
4. Establish an eco-committee and adopt an environmentalvision statement
5. Do an energy audit.
6. Make an action plan and monitor progress.
7. Integrate greening into the curriculum.
8. Rally kids to the cause! (If they haven’t already beenrallying you…)
9. Organize events to encourage energy auditing andenergy savings – make a friendly competition.
10. Organize fundraisers to raise awareness and considerbuying carbon offsets for the school.
11. Copy bulletins and exams on both sides.
12. Make notes and drafts on scrap paper.
13. Reuse textbooks and school supplies.
14. In college buy used textbooks and sell them back whenyou’re done.
15. Buy school supplies with high recycled content.
16. In cafeterias, use non-disposable trays, dishes, andsilverware.
17. Make sure your school recycles.
18. Seek out a food donation program for your school insteadof discarding unused cafeteria food.
19. Compost cafeteria vegetable waste.
20. Get kids a water bottle.
21. Prepare waste-free lunches with a reusable lunch bag.Avoid faddish or super cute designs that will age badly.
22. Carpool. Stuff the neighborhood’s kids in the minivan/crossover, and resume your own low-carbon walking orpublic transport routine at least a few days a week.
23. Are they old enough to walk or bike to school?
24. In college live on campus and walk.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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10.0 Renovation/ConstructionSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/10-0-building-
renovation-and-new-construction/
January 12th, 2010
Residential and Commercial buildings consume 40% ofenergy contributing to climate change. And of that, over90% is consumed in the operations of the building: lighting,heating, cooling, equipment etc… So unless one tacklesoperational efficiency seriously, it won’t matter how much“green materials” are installed in the building – it will be anenergy disaster.
To help ensure more sustainable building practices manystandards have been developed including Energy Star, LEED,Zero Energy Building and Passive House.
Energy Star – developed by the U.S. Dept of Energy(DOE), addresses a wide range of issues including products,home improvement, new home construction and commercialbuilding design. Generally Energy Star seeks a 30%improvement in efficiencies.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) – developed by the industry group U.S. Green Building Council, LEED seeks a holistic approach that addresses a wide rangeof environmental issues including: sustainable sites, waterefficiency, energy & atmosphere, material and resources, andindoor environmental quality.
Zero Energy Building – Largely funded by DOE towardcommercial and residential applications, it is a buildingstandard that seeks to have the building achieve net zeroenergy use through efficiency measures in construction withthe addition of on-site renewables such as photovoltaics asnecessary to achieve zero balance.
Passive House – developed in 1990s and formalized by thePassivhaus Institut in Darmstadt Germany and now at thePassive House Institute U.S., it is the most rigorous energystandard today achieving up to 90% heating and coolingenergy reductions and up to 70% overall energy use forresidential and commercial applications.
It should be clearly noted that these four programs are notexclusive but complementary.
10.1 Renovation
1. Items coming soon…
10.2 New Construction
1. Items coming soon…
11.0 Calculate Your FootprintSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/7-calculate-your-
footprint/
January 12th, 2010
Now that you’ve made a serious effort to reduce, measure yourcarbon footprint and find out where you stand. There aremany carbon footprint calculators available on the internet. Aselection:
12.0 Consider Carbon OffsetsSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/8-buy-carbon-
offsets/
January 12th, 2010
Carbon offsets have been called a sin tax, compared to Catholicindulgences or paying for a war substitute. But carbon offsetsare meant to be used only as a supplement, not a substitute.Choose carefully, and carbon offsets will genuinely reduceemissions.
As a gesture toward neutralizing your remaining footprintconsider buying offsets. Well regarded U.S.-based companiesand organizations that provide carbon offsets:
As you say, these are a supplement, not a substitute, so the“carbon neutrality is just a click away” line is really too muchhype.
13.0 ConclusionSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/conclusion/
January 12th, 2010
But let’s be honest, while you’ve made good progress, there’smuch more to do. Change incrementally – it will insuregreater long-term success.
1. kenlevenson Says:I agree – but it’s meant with a grain of salt, as it were. I’llclarify that!
2. Earl Killian Says:You’re hardly at zero at this point. (Trivial example: evenif you’re eating local food you’ve got fossil fuels in yourveins. Even if you grow your own food, the water youirrigated them with was probably pumped with fossilfuels.)
My point is that you’ve left off the most important itemthat would let us get to zero eventually: Elect politiciansthat will get rid of the fossils.
13.1 Epilogue (get political)Source: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/111-epilouge/
January 12th, 2010
1. Copy and distribute this checklist. Download it.
2. Talk to neighbors about how to make the neighborhoodgreener.
3. Join groups of folks working together to reduce: EcoMom Alliance.
4. Join a Carbon Rationing Action Group (CRAG).
5. Use internet sites that help you reduce your carbonfootprint and have fun doing it. Check out Make MeSustainable and Carbon Rally.
6. Get political – join and support organizations fightingto stop climate change: 1Sky, Environmental DefenseFund, Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Counciland the World Wildlife Fund to name a few possibilities.
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
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7. Lobby for green building codes. Architecture 2030,Efficiency First.
8. Talk to skeptical family members, friends and neighbors.Be patient and listen, but explain, explain, explain. Forskeptic arguments and responses see Grist’s How toTalk to a Climate Skeptic. An appropriate take-downof skeptic opinion makers: see Chapter 2, “The DenialIndustry” in the book Heat, How to Stop the Planet FromBurning by George Monbiot, 2006.
13.2 Science & SkepticismSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/112-a-note-on-
climate-science-and-skepticism/
January 12th, 2010
Skepticism is an essential part of the scientific method. Scientists see the benefit in being proven wrong. Yet the so-called global warming skeptics (deniers is a more appropriateterm) believe that the scientists have an unprofessionalinterest in the outcome and are rigging it. The accusations arepartly self-delusion and partly just plain lying. [2]
While there is much legitimate debate about the particularsof global warming like how bad and how fast. Yet there isno legitimate debate about whether human-generated carbonemissions are the root of the problem – humans have thrownthe great carbon cycle horribly out of whack and it is only aquestion of just how sensitive is she to our abuse.
Man-made global warming is as scientifically certain as therising sun, Einstein’s theory of relativity or Darwin’s theory ofevolution. The science of climate change is now essential tounderstanding how our world actually works and will work inthe future.
[1] It’s almost embarrassing to include such a note but we livein the U.S., where public opinion has been so damaged by a fewcorporations and religious fundamentalists. Just recently BobLutz, General Motors’ vice chairman, stated that in his view,global warming is a “total crock of shit.” Then he added: “I’ma skeptic, not a denier. Having said that, my opinion doesn’tmatter.” (source: www.frontburner.dmagazine.com)[2] SeeChapter 2, “The Denial Industry,” in the book Heat, How toStop the Planet From Burning, by George Monbiot, 2006.
1. kenlevenson Says:Thanks for the kind words. And we can agree to disagreeon the characterization. The rising sun is a literary term,obviously. As for Einstein and Darwin’s theories – Ichose them for the very reason that they are, like AGW,called theories – tested and proven theories at that….aswithout Darwin there’s no biotech revolution etc….Let’s get to work.
Cheers.
2. Koop Says:Thanks for this site and the work that went into it. Butinstead of telling you all the things that you did right I’mgoing to point out where I disagree.
To say that “man-made global warming is asscientifically certain as the rising sun, Einstein’s theoryof relativity or Darwin’s theory of evolution” is wayover the top. The first argument can be made purelyon semantics. For one the sun does not rise, theearth rotates and revolves giving the appearance of thesun rising. Secondly, theories aren’t certain. Laws arecertain. They are called Einstein’s and Darwin’s theoriesand not Einstein’s and Darwin’s laws.
We have great concensus in the scientific communitythat man made gasses are causing some warming. On theface of it it makes perfect sense. But then again it makesperfect sense for clouds to reduce global warming sincethey increase the albedo effect and reflect light and heatback into space. But then again it makes perfect sense forclouds to increase global warming since water vapor is agreenhouse gas and clouds are mostly water vapor.
Consensus isn’t certainty and modesty is the best courseof action. WIth that said, let’s get the hell off of fossilfuels. Let’s start debating the merits of Cap and Tradeor Cap and Dividend or of a Carbon Tax. Let’s make ithappen.
13.3 Checklist SourcesSource: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/checklist-
sources/
January 12th, 2010
Books -
by Michael Brower and Warren Leon, 1999
Garbage Landby Elizabeth Royte, 2005
Global Warming, The Causes, The Perils, The Solutions, TheActions: 51 Things You Can Do Edited by Kelly Knauer, TimeInc., 2007
by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen, 2007
by the editors of E, 2005
by George Monbiot, 2006
by Ed Begley, Jr., 2008
The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook, byDavid de Rothschild, 2007
Reports -
by Jessica Bellarby et al., Greenpeace, 2008
The Case for Investing in Energy Productivity, McKinseyGlobal Institute, February 2008
Newspaper and Magazine Articles -
Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat, by ElisabethRosenthal, New York Times, Feb 8, 2008
Ethical investing: Funds that favor planet savers, by G.Jeffrey MacDonald, Christian Science Monitor, Feb 25, 2008
For ‘EcoMoms,’ Saving Earth Begins at Home, by PatriciaLeigh Brown, New York Times, Feb 16, 2008
Websites -
January 12th, 2010 Published by: teducation
14
Ellen Honigstock Architect P.C. , Brooklyn Green.
U.S. Dept of Energy – Energy Efficiency and RenewableEnergy.
14.0 Climate Change 101Source: http://checklisttowardzerocarbon.wordpress.com/120-appendix-i-
climate-change-resources/
January 12th, 2010
Climate science data and analysis are evolving fast. Here’s ashort list of books, reports and websites where you can get asnapshot of where things now stand.
GLOBAL WARMING 101 – A READING LIST:
The Basic Scientific Understanding:
Basic Fossil Fuel Facts – an indispensable condensedexplanation – at the end of a letter addressed to GovernorGibbons of Nevada by Jim Hansen. (The facts starts on page5 – the letter is very good too.)
Climate Code Red: The case for a sustainability emergency –a great summary of the science up to the start of 2008, givingthe crisis the urgency it deserves.
Understanding and Attributing Climate Change – IPCCmakes the case. (See also Dire Predictions in Books below.)
Detecting and Attributing External Influences on the ClimateSystem: A Review of Recent Advances – Lawrence LivermoreNational Laboratory.
Assessing key vulnerabilities and the risk from climatechange – the IPCC’s take on what’s at stake.
The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, LandResources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity, ExecutiveSummary – U.S. Dept of Agriculture
Special Report: Climate Change – covers the crisis from manyangles.The Science Behind the Science and Why it can be trusted:
Scientists Explain How They Attribute Climate-Change Data– A Wall Street Journal article shows why the science can betrusted.
Models ‘key to climate forecasts’ – BBC’s examination of ourmost powerful tool in understanding global warming.
Addressing Doubt:
Climate change: A guide for the perplexed – a great “round-up of the most common climate myths and misconceptions”.
How to Talk to a Global Warming Sceptic – and stop them intheir tracks.How to Talk to a Climate Skeptic – Grist’s rundown is greathelp too.
The Denial Industry – George Monbiot’s eye opening accountof the origin of the concerted network opposing legitimateclimate science. Think Big Tobacco.
MORE READINGBest Global Warming Blogs:
Related Websites:
Books:
With Speed and Violence: Why Scientists Fear Tipping Pointsin Climate Change by Fred Pearce – The best A to Z treatmentI’ve read.Dire Predictions – Understanding Global Warming byMichael E. Mann and Lee R. Kump – The best explanation ofthe IPCC findings anywhere.Hell and High Water: Global Warming–the Solution and thePolitics–and What We Should Do by Joseph RommThe Discovery of Global Warming by Spencer R. WeartCensoring Science: Inside the Political Attack on Dr. JamesHansen and the Surprising Truth About Global Warming byMark BowenHeat: How to Stop the Planet from Burning by GeorgeMonbiot, Matthew PrescottThe Atlas of Climate Change: Mapping the World’s GreatestChallenge by Kristin Dow, Thomas E. DowningThe Revenge of Gaia: Earth’s Climate Crisis and the Fate ofHumanity by James Lovelock, Crispin Tickell
And Now Action:Okay, enough reading! Armed with the facts, go out andfight for our children’s future – change our personal, politicaland public lives. A comprehensive place to start is with thechecklist. Download it, edit it, make it your own, and pass iton.)