 "Photo: MCT")
Global warming is not cooling off or slowing down.
That was the verdict the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed in the first 600 pages of its report released last Friday in Paris. While some national governments are devoting much time and money into finding ways to slow global warming, individuals can do their part by simply jumping on a bus.
With the recent frigid weather sweeping the northern states, global warming might be the last thing on the student's minds at the University of Massachusetts. However, in order to avert the grim forecast predicted for the planet, people need to get more involved.
What can students do?
"Anything that anybody does to conserve energy will have a positive effect," said Frank Keimig, manager of the Climate Research Center at UMass. "Anything that cuts the use of energy will cut the use of fossil fuel and therefore cut greenhouse gas emissions."
The Web site for the Union of Concerned Scientists offers some simple, yet effective solutions to global warming.
If any student is looking to buy a car, pay special attention to the fuel economy. Finding a vehicle that has a good miles-per-gallon ratio is the single most effective step you can take towards reducing global warming.
According to the Web site for the Union of Concerned scientists, "For each gallon of gas you burn, 20 pounds of heat-trapping C02 is released into the atmosphere." Better gas mileage not only means a decrease of global warming causing gases, but also an increase in the amount of money saved at the pump over the life of the vehicle.
Cars with hybrid engines that can be charged like a cell phone are another environment-friendly option. The University is now offering discounted parking permits for "clean" vehicles, such as hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.
If buying a new car isn't in the foreseeable future, make good use of the one you have. Get a carpool together to get to and from school. The University offers the UMass RideShare program, which helps match students and employees living off-campus with other carpoolers with similar routes and schedules. Services are free and participants receive other benefits as well, such as the Guaranteed Ride Home service, if you miss your carpool because of an emergency, as well as a certain number of free one-day parking permits, if you occasionally need to drive in alone.
Students can also take buses to and from school and to get around town.
"Transportation and manufacturing are two of the biggest culprits when it comes to global warming," Keimig said. "One of the simplest ways to help is by using public transportation as opposed to private cars."
The University provides bus transportation free of charge to Five College students, faculty, and staff. The UMass Transit buses operate between the Five Colleges as well as the towns of Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, North Hampton, South Hadley and Sunderland.
Taking a bus is an easy solution to the global warming problem, but another solution is as easy as flipping a switch. Keimig points out that, "…even though it seems small, things as simple as shutting off lights can make a difference."
The Power plants that light our homes, dorm rooms and classrooms are the single largest source of CO2 in the United States, according to the Web site for the Union of Concerned Scientists. Save electricity and turn off the lights when they're not in use.
Students can also replace conventional light bulbs with the more energy efficient compact fluorescents. These light bulbs use less energy and last longer than regular light bulbs.
It doesn't take much to make a difference when it comes to global warming. Next time you want to go into town, try taking the bus, and don't forget to turn off the light.
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