Global warming is a natural phenomenon.

Actually, the green house effect is a natural occurring phenomenon that is vital to the earth. As energy from the sun reaches the earth, about 70 percent is used to heat the air, land and sea. Without this mechanism the average temperature would be approximately zero degrees Fahrenheit or 18 degrees Celsius. The absorbed heat is eventually released as infrared radiation back into outer space, keeping the earth from heating up to much. Without this mechanism life as we know it would not be possible on earth. So what is the problem?
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution some 250 years ago, we have been using fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, releasing pollutants such as methane gas, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide. As the concentration grows in the atmosphere, not enough of the extra heat is radiated into space. As this trapped pollution within our atmosphere grows, the result is a rise in the earths’ temperature. The time magazine pointed out that the world’s carbon dioxide output “approached a staggering 32 billion tons “ in 2006 alone. This has kept earth’s excess heat from escaping back into outer space, which in turn, helps to heat up our atmosphere. This is considered one of the major factors for global warming.
There is evidence of the earth warming in many places. In 2007 the Northwest Passage was open all winter for the first time in recorded history. The currents and the length of time ice covered the Chukchi Sea has changed. It used to freeze over in October, now it freezes over in December. The local inhabitants are finding it harder to travel across the frozen sea to land for Caribou and moose hunting as a result. This is also one of the two main areas that Polar bears are found. Their natural habitat is in danger as well. Many of the people who live on Tuvalu, a group of islands that are only 13 feet above sea level, had to leave because the sea level has risen. Global warming is a reality for these people. A change is needed from what we are now using as a fuel source.
Part of the solution is to use alternative energy sources. Wind power, solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, and geothermal power are technologies that may help us turn the tide on fossil fuels. Companies are already implementing the use of these alternative fuel sources. Solar energy technology has taken a front row seat in this area. Solar thermal has been used for heating domestic hot water and heating homes since the late 1800’s. It is now being used in turbines to create electricity. About 100,000 homes are currently receiving electric in this manner. Solar thermal can store energy to generate power at night as well. Several companies have announced plans to provide power for 10 times that many homes in the near future. Solar photovoltaic’s has no moving parts. It can be applied as a shingle on a roof, with the ability to create power on a cloudy day, or as a solar panel. New Jersey and California have programs in place to encourage communities to use solar panels on homes, businesses. Other states also have incentive programs to encourage the use of solar and wind power.
Shouldn’t our goal be to help nature restore the earth’s natural cycle? We can do this by using resources that do not upset the balance of nature. By using these natural resources we can help nature restore itself. This technology is now being used for home products as well. It is being used in watches, radios, calculators, solar panels to charge PDA’S, cell phones, GPS devices. Solar panels can be used at home, while camping and emergency use. The purpose of solar powered ideas is get individuals started using solar products. All of us can take advantage of these resources. In this way we can have a responsible role in saving our planet earth. After all, “there is no place like home.”