2008 Woodie Awards
Global warming symposium draws near-capacity crowd
Jeff Losius
Issue date: 11/7/06 Section: Campus News
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Last Monday, Oct. 30, students filled the New Science Building's Auditorium to listen in on a discussion about global warming, presented by the UNCG College Democrats and UNCGreen.
Global warming occurs when greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, act as an insulating layer keeping some of the earth's radiant energy from escaping to space. Today, the temperature of earth is 59 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it would be without these gases.
"In 20 years Greensboro will have the climate of Central Florida," said Jane Preyer, the Southeast Regional Director of Environmental Defense.
On average, each American unleashes 22 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. That's equal to about four cars. Individuals in the rest of the world average six tons.
"We have a small window of time to do something before we set in motion things that can become unstoppable," said Dr. G. Jay Lennartson, UNCG professor.
That window of time is the next 10 years, he explained. If emissions aren't reduced soon, experts predict a rise of 3 degrees by the end of this century. This would trigger 80-foot higher sea levels, virtually erasing Florida, and more frequent, stronger storms - much like Hurricane Katrina.
"Now might be the time to get rid of that property you have in Florida," Lennartson quipped.
Last Monday, the British government released a report calling for low-carbon technology spending to be doubled worldwide. Without it, the report predicts a shortage of drinking water in the near future could turn 200 million people into refugees.
Since 1979, more than 20 percent of the Polar ice cap has melted. The United States energy research and development budget has sunk from $7.7 billion to $3 billion in those same 27 years.
President Bush wants to increase the budget to $4.2 billion for 2007, which will fall way short of the money most experts say is needed. Activists point to the campaign money coming from a lot of major utility companies, who are a main source of greenhouse gases.
"It's hard to cut them off," said N.C. Rep. Pricey Harrison, a democrat from the 57th district who spoke briefly to close the event. "We don't have a choice but to comply."
"You have to let your legislators know this is a major issue," she continued, "or else it's going to take a crisis to get something going."
So what can you do to help? Monday's presenters suggested making sure your tires are inflated, driving the speed limit, taking the train over flying and, if possible, "DUMP YOUR CAR!" Ride a bicycle or the new HEAT buses instead.
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