The environmental problems we (and Earth) face today were created by billions of people making billions of decisions. So too, the solutions are based on the many decisions we each make everyday. Your actions do make a difference! Decide to use all energy only as needed - this includes electricity and gas. Be devoted to producing as little waste as possible. Explore this web site for lots of tips on pollution prevention as well as energy and water conservation. Most importantly. get involved.

Get Involved in the Big Picture

Whether you are interested in global climate change, endangered species, oceans, forests, wetlands, rivers, or overall environmental sustainability - there are national and state-level groups that would welcome your involvement. Learn more about how you can become a citizen leader on behalf of Earth and future generations by exploring the many nonprofit organizations on the Internet. Here are some places to start:

• The Virginia Conservation Network
• Environmental News Network
• Earthday Network
• National Wildlife Federation
• Second Nature Home 
• U.S. Green Building Council 
• Virginia Sustainable Building Network 
• Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence 
• Ourearth.org 

Global Climate Change

Global climate change is bringing many changes - climatological, ecological, environmental, and economic. The accumulation of greenhouse gases has been linked to increases in average daily temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and the severity of storms. These changes affect ecosystems and could have profound effects on human society.

Q: What are the two biggest ways you are contributing greenhouse gasses to our atmosphere (and therefore, to global climate change)?

A: The answer for most of us is: Driving and Electricity Use.

The biggest cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels like oil and coal are burned for energy. Most of the electricity in Virginia comes from burning coal, a fossil fuel. So when you save energy, you fight global warming (and save money, of course).

While it can be an overwhelming topic, it is urgent that we all understand how our actions impact our climate. Here are some places to start:

• Natural Resource Defense Council
• Pew Center of Global Climate Change
• Global Green USA
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• US Global Change Research Program
• Stop Global Warming
• NPR - Environment
• US Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change
• U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

 

Let us know what links you think are helpful! E-mail greencampus@longwood.edu