What are greenhouse gases? …a problem?
All creatures in God's earthly creation face rising temperatures, heightened health concerns and dwindling food security. Escalating greenhouse gas levels provide the common link. What are greenhouse gases? What makes their role in global warming a problem?
Greenhouse gases are nothing new. Carbon dioxide and methane, two of the most common greenhouse gases are critical atmospheric components. They "trap" the sun's warmth just as a greenhouse keeps plants warm, even on cool days. Balance however is critical. Too little greenhouse gas and earth's temperature drops. Too much and temperatures rise. Factories, power plants, automobiles and livestock alter the balance by pouring unprecedented quantities of greenhouse gas into the environment. Our atmosphere is retaining more solar energy than ever before. The earth's temperature is rising. Human activity is the source.
Environmental experts understand balance in our atmosphere. Through years of study we've determined that the highest safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million (ppm). Last month's level was 388.2 ppm. We haven't been below 350 ppm since September, 1989. The level rises each year. The global importance of returning to 350 ppm has prompted the creation of a terrific website appropriately called 350.org. Check the site for very helpful information.
Finally, contemplate the following:
PRAY for the wisdom to be faithful stewards of creation. Consider that Americans use 21% of the world's energy and generate 20% of humanity's greenhouse gas emissions yet we represent just 4.6% of earth's population.
REDUCE meat consumption. "Livestock's Long Shadow", a 2006 United Nations report states that livestock contribute "…about 18% of the (earth's total) global warming effect – an even larger contribution than the transportation sector worldwide."
READ next week's Forum for more on hunger and care of the earth!
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