When do I need to toss out my wool sweaters?  While most scientists agree that climate change is particularly due to human activities, it is important for us to remember that scientists are always testing and retesting their hypotheses as the climate changes.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, “there is no doubt that climate will continue to change throughout the 21st century and beyond, but there are still important questions regarding how large and how fast these changes will be, and what effects they will have in different regions.”

Even if not all of us are scientists, we know that the weather is changing. For example, Texas, a state experienced with plenty of rain is now experiencing record breaking weather: droughts, temperatures in the 100s and a breakout of wildfires. The East Coast on the other hand is suffering from too much rain. Recently, Hurricane Irene was the first hurricane to make landfall in New Jersey since 1903. 1903! Well over a century ago!

But let’s go back to Texas. Texas’ governor and running mate for the Republican presidential ticket, Rick Perry, does not believe in global warming. He has made it very clear that we humans are not contributing to global warming. He also thinks that “a substantial number of scientists…have manipulated data so that they will have dollars rolling into their projects.”

Global warming, a scientific phenomenon has become very much a political issue. Ultimately, it will and does affect us all because we live on this planet, breathe the same air and share the same moon and sun.

Here are some basic things you can do to make a difference. Whether you believe global warming is caused by man or not. Something major is happening to our climate and there are things you can do protect the environment.  According to Globalwarmingfacts.org here are some things you  can do to help:

• Change an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb. CFLs use 60% less energy, which will save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year (and our energy bill!)
• Cover your pots while cooking. They save a great amount of energy while preparing your meals
• Use the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full
• Recycle. You can save around 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide a year by recycling.
• Purchase a plastic water bottle and reuse it. The packaged water bottles we buy at the stores aren’t any good-plus how purified is their water? If we fill up at home, we know our water is clean
• Reuse shopping bags. Many places sell bags at a convenient price. You can tote them from store to store. Some places even give you a discount if you use these bags

Even if you don’t believe in global warming, you can benefit from using these tips- that can also save you some money.

If you are interested in this topic. Here are more articles on the subject.

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2011/aug/22/rick-perry/rick-perry-says-more-and-more-scientists-are-quest/

http://dels-old.nas.edu/dels/rpt_briefs/climate_chawww.pewclimate.org

www.ipcc.ch

www.climatetechnology.gov

nge_2008_final.pdf

http://www.nwf.org/~/media/PDFs/Global%20Warming/Global%20Warming%20State%20Fact%20Sheets/Texas.ashx

http://www.mindingthecampus.com/originals/global-warming-2.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmz6Rbpnu0&feature=related
Why we should care

By Kristen Khalaf and Patricia Gras

Living Smart with Patricia Gras is airing on wednesdays at 11:30pm on the second digital channel. It will be distributed nationally in a few weeks.