MY advice: never post a topic about global warming. But you did, which is why I'm going to reply.
Global warming is not an exaggeration. It is a real thing, and someday soon we're going to have to face it unless we want to die. It is NOT George Bush's fault, as much as I would like to be able to put the blame onto him.
cluck_cluck_chicken, milliaswan, Rayy, Acid~Rain, Sweet Kandi, Courtnee~Malakian and any other person who does NOT believe in global warming, read this:
There are all sorts of rumors about how it's just a natural occurrence. This is true. Yes, there is proof that the world has been freezing and heating up for billions of years. However, there is also proof that the Earth's temperature has been increasing much faster than usual. Proof, people!!! It's not some hoax made up by the government to scare us all. Scientific research has proven that global warming is happening, no matter what people choose to believe. I, personally, believe that the world is just doing it's normal cycle, but because of human input, the temperature has been increasing much faster and getting much hotter than is natural. I know I can't force anyone to believe what I believe. I know that now, after several failed attempts at a topic just like this one. It's the people that have to make the decisions. But to all those people out there who are denying that this is happening...please re-think your beliefs. Think about the future generations. Think about all the animals that are going to die because of your refusal to believe the truth. All those cute little penguins, polar bears, and other arctic and antarctic animals. Not to mention all the trees and plants that survive on the cold (yes, trees are living things too). All those things are going to die, because you are in denial of what is really going on around you. And don't think that just one person not contributing isn't going to make a difference. Because it does. Every little bit counts, not to mention that if you don't help, other people will copy you so this laziness will just spread. And that's exactly what it is. Laziness. It doesn't even have to be physical laziness, all you have to do is just not be bothered to think about it, and you're being lazy. I know there are arguments to that point, but if you o take the time to THINK about it...it's true. So please, please help contribute to the fight against global warming.
For all those people who are stubborn and are still choosing not to believe it, or even just want to look like you don't believe it, you can still do your bit. All it takes is a little bit of extra effort. Just by walking or riding your bike to the shops, you can be fit and healthy and still be looking after the environment. Buying locally produced goods doesn't do anything to your money that transported goods wouldn't do. Turning off a lightbulb here and there only ever takes 5 seconds out of your time. And, as for cars, well, if you don't mind driving a dinky little hybrid, you can do that, or wait until they have some better, more efficient models. But even if you don't want to buy a hybrid, there are plenty of good looking fuel saving cars out there. But please, if you don't want to buy a "hug-a-tree, save-the whales" car, just try to avoid one of those gas-guzzling 4-wheel-drives. They are terrible for the environment, even if they look really small or efficient. They use waaay to much petrol, especially if you have one in the city traffic.
For all those people who do want to make a difference, here are some tips on how you can be climate-safe:
- Don't drive when you can walk or ride a bike
- Buy locally produced goods
- Turn off the lights in any room that isn't being used'
- Don't turn on the lights when you can use natural light - get a skylight installed!
- Don't turn on the heater when you can put a jumper on, or wrap yourself in blankets
- Don't turn the Air-conditioner on if you can take off a jumper or put on something cooler
- turn off your TV at the powerpoint when not in use (if you can)
- Don't stand with the refrigerator door open - pick what you want before you open up
- Try to buy a fridge with a good energy rating
- Take shorter showers - saves water and doesn't use as much energy
- Try to use solar or gas water heaters wherever you can
- Use front-loader washers
- Hang-dry clothes as much as possible
- Try to fit as much as you can into the dishwasher - don't waste a run on a couple of plates!
- Don't drive 4-wheel-drives
- Try to drive fuel efficient or hybrid cars
I know it seems like a lot to think about, but it's not that hard to achieve most of these things. And anyone, if you're unsure about any of these things, want to know why this stuff helps the environment, or want some information about the climate crisis, don't be afraid to ask me!!!
So good luck everybody, I hope I changed the opinions of the people who don't and didn't believe in global warming, and to those who do, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having common sense =P