2008 Woodie Awards
Students help prevent global warming
Web site gives tips on how to save energy
Melissa Toulouse, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 2/8/07 Section: News
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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.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
lallaaaa
posted 3/02/07 @ 6:01 PM EST
WOWZA!!!!
STEPHANiE
posted 10/23/07 @ 10:32 PM EST
I dont know what to do i really want to help. it seems like that alot of people doesnt care about global warming and how alot of lives can end for no reason. (Continued…)
gabriella
posted 1/14/08 @ 10:11 AM EST
global warming is a very harmful calamity.we all should unite together & try our best to prevent it.
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