A Few Reasons to Take Action on Global Warming Now

  The burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas, emits many types of pollution including carbon dioxide, which traps the sun's heat in our atmosphere. 

  As a result of these emissions, climate scientists are forecasting drastic climactic changes for our region over the coming decades due to global warming.  

  Average temperatures could increase by 4-5 degrees by 2040 and 6-7 degrees by 2080.  These represent major changes in our climate that will have huge negative impacts – see below.  

  But is this effecting us now?  Unfortunately yes.  Average temperatures have ALREADY risen by over 1°F on average over the past 50 years with longer summers and more hot, wet weather as a result. 

The Earth Institute at Columbia University

•      New York air quality is the worst in the country with 22% of summer days dangerous for kids with asthma.  New York has 188,596 kids with asthma.

•     1°F of warming could more than double heat-wave related deaths. 

•     Sea levels are rising, putting low-lying areas like JFK airport, Rockaway and lower Manhattan in danger of increased flooding.

•      Weather extremes are becoming more frequent which means longer droughts and heat waves, but also more flooding. 

•     Insect borne diseases, like West Nile Virus, are appearing and spreading.  More warmth and heat in our region means more mosquitoes.

•      The cost of fresh water will rise due to more frequent droughts, causing living costs to    rise for New Yorkers, who already suffer from some of the highest living costs in the U.S.

•      Increased warming will make storms and hurricanes more frequent, more violent and more costly.  

•      All our natural heritage is put in jeopardy by a rapidly warming climate.  

But solutions like renewable energy and energy efficiency need your support!

BUT WE HAVE THE POWER TO PREVENT FURTHER WARMING IF WE ACT TODAY.  GET INVOLVED.  STAY INFORMED. 

The U.S. is the world's largest emitter of Greenhouse gas emissions, the pollution that causes global warming.  New York City alone accounts for over 2% of U.S. emissions.

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