Big Chill On Hold: Global Warming Delays Ice Age

The next Ice Age may be a more distant prospect than scientists had thought, due to the effects of carbon dioxide emissions on global warming. The Earth has been in its current interglacial period for over 11,000 years. Although it was estimated that a new Ice Age could begin around 1500 years from now, recent reports suggest that it could actually be anything from 50,000 to 500,000 years before huge glaciers take shape on the globe again.

Whilst some people see the delayed Ice Age as a positive thing, many are pointing out that this is a clear sign of how human activity is impacting on the planet. Changes in carbon dioxide levels mean the Earth is unlikely to be cool enough for ice sheets to form within the next millennium, as CO2 effectively insulates the globe. Indeed, sea levels have risen significantly in recent years due to high temperatures causing the break up of huge ice plateaus in the arctic regions.

The Earth has experienced at least five ice ages and close scientific examination of the planet’s orbit and of rock samples suggests that the concentration of CO2 had to be around 240ppm (parts per million) in order for this to occur. However, levels are currently around 380ppm and even if all emissions were to be halted today, it would be many decades before the atmosphere was clear of carbon dioxide.

A delayed ice age is by no means the only worrying result of global warming. Increasingly extreme weather conditions have also been attributed to the world becoming warmer. Scientists are always contemplating ways in which to stop so many greenhouse gasses being pumped into the atmosphere, but there is no doubt that a worldwide collaborative effort will be necessary for any tangible change to be felt.

One possibility for tackling carbon dioxide emissions could be wider use of CO2 scrubbing, which captures the gas before it enters the atmosphere through a complex filtering process. The plastic used for CO2 scrubbing is even recyclable, making it a hopeful prospect for green energy enthusiasts. In the meantime, we’re certainly not in immediate danger of experiencing an Ice Age, though whether this is a good or a bad thing for the Earth is open to interpretation.

Written by Jemma Saunders
Read Jemma’s blog or follow her on Twitter @JemSaunders1

Affordable Ways To Increase Eco Friendliness Of A Home

Making green improvements to your home can have a positive impact not only on the future of our environment, but also on your family’s health and well-being. If one is willing to spend a little time thinking ahead, planning, prioritizing and budgeting for the environmentally friendly changes one chooses to make, both your home and your family will benefit in the long run. Some of these changes can be quiet affordable, while others require an initial investment which is recouped through energy savings over time. Being a good global citizen can be both affordable and fun.

Lighting

Changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs will quickly add up to significant savings for any homeowner. Replacing a single 75-watt incandescent bulb in your home today with a 25-watt CFL will add up to a savings of about $80 over the life of the bulb. The difference between the two bulbs is that CFLs convert most of their energy into light rather than heat.

Cost: CFLs generally cost less than $5.

Security

Many homeowners use security systems throughout their homes. Green security systems are quickly becoming available. For example, Vivint is a home security solutions company offering a green home security system. For homeowners with solar panels, they offer an energy efficient smart home security system. It allows homeowners to program appliances and monitor electricity usage from their smart phone.

Cost: After the initial cost for solar panels, Vivint charges a one-time $99 set up fee and monthly maintenance is under $50.

Recycle Electronics

Electronics disposal in the United States is a looming problem. Using local recycling facilities for electronics is one option. Another is reselling your electronic devices. It is estimated each American household has three cell phones languishing somewhere in the home. Each of these can be sold to organizations like green phone.com, where they are be refurbished and resold.

Cost: Selling your used electronics can net you anywhere from five dollars to hundreds.

Leaky Plumbing

A leaky faucet can waste over 70 gallons of water per day, while a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons. Repairing a leaking toilet will save a homeowner about $30 per year and will save about 70,000 gallons of fresh water.

Cost: Replacing washers on faucets can cost less than a dollar. Simple toilet repair usually runs under $10, while a plumber’s visit could be closer to $100.

Green Appliances

At first, upgrading appliances sounds overwhelming. Prioritizing which appliances are real energy hogs can help make the decision easier. Usually, the first appliance to consider is the refrigerator. Appliances utilize approximately 18% of the homes annual energy bill but the fridge uses more energy than other appliances. Refrigerators older than 10 years should be replaced with energy-efficient models for a 10% to 50% savings on energy consumption. Changing to greener appliances can be done one appliance at a time.

Cost: New appliances will vary. Watch for sales and compare prices online.

Every homeowner can take simple cost-effective steps towards green home ownership. Every step has an impact on the environment and the health of others, including those we love. It helps to bear in mind that going green doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Small steps add up quickly and results become evident after just a short time.

Peter Brady is a security analyst who also contributes content for Security Systems, a great site to research your home monitoring costs and find reviews of various systems.

Your Business can thrive with better Energy Management

The business world has always been cut throat and these days, following the global recession, it’s even harder to get a head. Most business owners are always looking for ways to improve their business and increase turnover, but did you know that you could improve your businesses carbon footprint and its profits with better energy management.

What is Energy Management?

Energy management does exactly what it says on the tin. In basic terms it’s the process of monitoring energy consumption and taking steps to reduce it, making your energy usage as cheap and efficient as possible.

Should I employ an Energy Management Consultant?

All businesses can benefit from energy management consultancy. A consultant will be able to carry out an in depth analysis of your business energy usage, ensure that you are following all current legislation surrounding energy usage and waste production and suggest ways that your energy consumption could be reduced. Read more

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