Download GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS IN MISSISSIPPI

 GLOBAL WARMING IMPACTS IN MISSISSIPPI WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING? The consequences of global warming have impacted public health, safety, the environment and the global economy for decades. NASA reports that 2000 to 2009 was the hottest decade ever recorded. Extreme temperatures and weather events in 2010 made headlines and set new records worldwide. Human activities are the primary cause of global warming. Deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices coupled with the burning of fossil fuels to transport goods, drive our vehicles, heat our homes, Hurricane Katrina towers over Mississippi. and generate electricity have increased carbon dioxide (CO2) and other WHY SHOULD I CARE? greenhouse gases in our atmosphere dangerous levels. to • Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina significantly damaged Mississippi’s coast. Hurricane intensity has increased CO
2 levels are currently 30% higher 50% since the 1970’s and is expected to continue to than any time over the past 800,000 increase so long as global warming goes unchecked. years. Without strong policies that lower global warming pollution, CO2 • According to Oxfam America, one-­‐third of Adams, Clay levels are expected to skyrocket to and Lowndes counties fall within FEMA’s 100-­‐year flood 2-­‐3 times this level by 2100. zone and 70% of these counties experience hurricane Excess CO2 and water vapor trapped winds. These risks coupled with high poverty levels, in our atmosphere drive up make this area extremely vulnerable to climate change. temperatures and significantly alter weather systems worldwide. Other • Global warming will likely cause sea level to rise at least 2 impacts, such as more extreme to 3 ft. along Mississippi’s coastline. Sea level rise could weather, rapid melting of glaciers, force saltwater up to 10 mi. inland threatening irrigation sea level rise and many others are and drinking water supplies. More frequent and expected to become more severe permanent inundation along with the expected increase and intense over time as global in hurricane intensity will be among the most costly warming continues to go unchecked. consequences of climate change for Mississippi. • Global warming will likely lead to a significant increase in temperatures and drought in Mississippi, creating optimal conditions for wildfires. Wildfires could impact the state’s strong $1 billion per year timber industry. Coal-­‐fired power plants in MS produce 26,864,462 tons of CO2 each year. TAKE ACTION AGAINST GLOBAL WARMING NATIONAL RESPONSE STATE RESPONSE National climate and energy policies are imperative to ensure protection from the worst impacts of global warming. China leads the world in renewable energy investment, spending almost twice the U.S. Call your legislators and tell them we must lead the way in climate and energy policies that: • Put a science-­‐based cap on carbon emissions; • Invest in clean energy technology and industries that create jobs; • Hold polluters accountable and end fossil-­‐fuel subsidies; • Preserve and strengthen the Clean Air Act. TAKE ACTION TODAY! Find and contact your legislators http://tiny.cc/xxdbr Become a Member of SACE Today www.cleanenergy.org Join the Southeast Coastal Climate Network http://seccn.groupsite.com PERSONAL RESPONSE Currently 29 states plus D.C. have Renewable Energy Standards (RES). An RES requires a certain percentage of energy to come from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass. The Southeast lags the nation in implementing these policies. NC leads as the only state in the region with a state-­‐style RES that requires 12.5% of energy produced to come from renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2021. MS can do better! Two independent reports (1) (2) found that ~ 77% of MS’s energy could come from renewable sources by 2015. If a strong, federal RES was created we could go a long way toward making use of these local, sustainable resources. 1. Use less of all kinds of energy by being energy efficient at home and at work. 2. Find alternate modes of transportation as often as possible to lessen your fuel consumption. 3. Shop and eat locally. Doing so will help reduce your carbon footprint. To find out other ways to reduce your carbon footprint, click here!