What's At Stake

What’s At Stake

Global warming refers to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans over time. This temperature rise is the result of an increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, including methane, nitrous oxide and aerosols, in our atmosphere.  (For more information on the basic science of climate change, visit GlobalWarmingSolutions.org.)

There has been consensus among scientists for years that global warming is a serious problem and that it is caused by human activity.  If left unchecked, global warming, also known as global climate change, could have devastating effects on our health, economy and way of life.

An increased global temperature will shift ecosystems. Glaciers will retreat, altering water supply for habitats and millions of people. Global warming is already affecting how some people live, from “climate refugees” in Bangledesh to an Alaskan village that was forced to relocate.

Plant productivity and vitality will change, destroying fragile ecosystems. The record highs of atmospheric gases are the result of burning fossil fuels, clearing of land and agriculture activity. According to most experts, the sharp increase of dramatic warming in the past 50 years is attributable to human activity. In the United States, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, resulting from petroleum and natural gas, represents 82 percent of our total human-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Global warming is more than just glaciers and polar bears. The Great Lakes is the largest freshwater body of water on the planet, the single largest source of surface fresh water in the world. Scientists estimate that the lakes are warmer and water levels are declining, with no end in sight.

Although climate change is already causing deleterious effects for many people, we can stop more damage from occurring.  Solutions come in many forms, from small personal actions to federal climate legislation.  To see what you can do to help, visit GlobalWarmingSolutions.org.

News

Illinois Coal Plant Expected to Raise Electricity Rates, Fuel Global Warming

The Chicago Tribune reports that the cost of a new coal plant under construction in southern Illinois has more than doubled to $4.4 billion, an increase which will affect residents in the Illinois towns that signed long-term contracts to purchase power from the plant. The Prairie State coal plant, built by Peabody Energy, the world’s largest private coal company, will burn coal from Peabody’s nearby mine, generating 1600 megawatts of electricity and generating 13 million tons of global warming pollution each year, the equivalent of putting 2 million more cars on the road.

Some argue that coal is the cheapest source of electricity available, but proposed federal regulations on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases could add additional costs to the power from this plant.

ELPC opposed the construction of the plant. As Executive Director Howard Learner told the Tribune, “These cities and towns are captive buyers at the mercy of Peabody and its ever-increasing costs. People are going to pay higher rates for more pollution. That isn’t a winning formula.”

Read the full story in the Chicago Tribune.