Has anyone noticed the lack of rain we have been getting in San Jose this year, or the hotter days we have been experiencing? This may be caused by global warming.

What is global warming?

According to experts, global warming is a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and other air pollution is collecting in the atmosphere like a thick blanket; trapping the sun’s heat and causing the planet to warm up.

Why is this affecting us Americans?

This is affecting us because America still operates things like coal-burning power plants, which are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution. They produce 2.5 billion tons of CO2 every year. Automobiles, the second largest source, create nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually. Also, there are melting glaciers, early snow melt, and severe droughts that will cause more dramatic water shortages in America. Eventually, rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern seaboard, in Florida, and in other areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.

How is this affecting us in California?

Since 1895, our average temperature in California has increased by 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and will continue to rise until something is done to stop it. This increase in global warming is causing drought throughout California, which is both leaving farms without water to keep their crops healthy and endangering wildlife. Forest fires are becoming worse and worse. Since the 1950s, California has experienced 3 of the worst fire years ever recorded. All have occurred in the past 11 years, in 2003, 2007 and 2008.

What are some solutions to this problem?

Some solutions to global warming are to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from factories and power plants, turn to solar and wind power instead, and utilize public transportation like the VTA or BART to go to work or visit friends and family. Another important thing we can all do is take 5 minute showers instead of longer showers. If global warming gets worse, we may not have clean water as a resource like we do today, and future generations may not have any either.