Global Warming
Carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is
collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening
blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and causing
the planet to warm up. Coal-burning power plants
are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide
pollution - they produce 2.5 billion tons every
year.
Automobiles, the second largest source, create
nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually. Although
local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the
past 50 years the average global temperature has
increased at the fastest rate in recorded history.
And experts think the trend is accelerating: the
three hottest years on record have all occurred
since 1998.
Scientists say that unless we curb global warming
emissions, average U.S. temperatures could be
3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century. Here’s
the good news: technologies exist today to make
cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, modernize
power plants and generate electricity from nonpolluting
sources, and cut our electricity use through energy
efficiency. The challenge is to be sure these
solutions are put to use.
How can we help cut pollution and slow down global
warming? It’s simple: By reducing pollution
from vehicles and power plants. Right away, we
should put existing technologies for building
cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators
into widespread use (drive a hybrid!). We can
manufacture more efficient appliances and conserve
energy. And we can increase our reliance on renewable
energy sources. That is the mission of the Citizenrē Corporation: to
make a big impact on pollution and global warming
by making clean, green, renewable solar power
available to the majority of homes in America,
and the world.
Energy Security
Over the past decade, electricity demand in the
US has grown by roughly 30% while additional transmission
capacity has only grown by 15%. In the next decade,
US demand is expected to grow by 20%, while planned
transmission system growth is expected to be only
3.5%. In the 70’s electricity only accounted
for 25% of our nations energy needs; it now accounts
for 37% and is projected to account for 50% by
2025 (EPRI – Power for a Digital Society).
North American bulk electricity delivery system
is not keeping pace.
More information about concerns at the forefront
can be found at the links below.
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