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Global Warming And Its Effects On Our Communities, Our Health, And Our Climate

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In this day and age, problems like global warming, widespread fossil fuel use, and high carbon emissions are “having significant and harmful effects on our communities, our health, and our climate” (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2014). “To limit [this], the world is going to have to get a lot better at using energy smartly” (Hope, 2014). One such way is by reducing the amount of energy we consume or waste on a daily basis; in other words, being more energy efficient. Energy Efficiency is “using less energy to provide the same service.” Something is more energy efficient if it delivers maximum production for less energy input. For example, energy efficient microwaves provide the same service as conventional ones however they require “30 …show more content…

More than half of these greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide which is released during the burning of fossil fuels. However, by using less energy and committing to energy efficiency (i.e. driving electric or hybrid type vehicles, creating a lower demand for energy, buying energy efficient appliances), we can reduce the amount of fossil fuels needed to be burned and in turn, stop global warming or climate change. In addition to that, being energy efficient in homes and buying energy efficient appliances can significantly benefit one’s pocket. Simple things like “replacing old incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED lights can save one up to 30-80% on energy bills”, and buying “Energy Star appliances can save one up to 30% on electricity bills” annually (Alliance to Save Energy, 2012). Also, simple daily tasks done in a different way (more efficiently), such as washing clothes in cold water or keeping one’s tires inflated, could bring up to $60 of savings annually (Alliance to save Energy, 2012). These small things done to promote efficiency at home and at work help cities and countries save on a bigger level. For example, America, the number one GHG emitter, saved more than $500 billion in energy costs by using 56% less energy; that’s enough to power 12 states for a year (Alliance to save Energy, 2012). That money that would have been spent on energy could now be spent on improving energy efficiency by building energy efficient buildings, educating about consuming

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