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IBier, though i agree that America's impact on global warming is extremely high (perhaps the highest) per capita in the world, global warming is a very complex effect. Most people don't realize (for instance) that cows... that's right, cows... are believed to contribute about 40% to the world's global warming. LOL.
Another tidbit... CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons)... that used to be used as a propellant in aerosols, among other things, take approximately 200 years to break down in the upper atmosphere. So though they have already been banned and replaced with other propellants, their distructive effect on the upper ozone will continue, and has not yet peaked. Not much we can do about it.
Volcanic eruptions, on the other hand, partially compensate for global warming... temporarily. The last decade has seen a number of eruptions that have delayed some of the effects of global warming... pulling our global temperatures down.
There are many factors that contribute to global warming, and some factors even help repair the ozone layer, though those are not understood as well.
Personally, i don't like discussing the sad state of global warming without pointing out that each of us can do more than just discuss it... that our habits and the way we live effects the earth every day.
Today you could:
drive less - carpool, combine errands, take the bus, better yet, take a bicycle or walk.
buy locally - much of fossil fuel goes to transporting the goods we buy. A co-op near me noticed recently that it was buying apples from New Zealand... 12,000 miles away... when we grow wonderful apples here in our county, less than 12 miles away. WHY?
buy less, buy less packaging, buy renewables, recycle, repair -I think you know this stuff.
plant trees
get involved - make your vote count, and write a letter to your representative once in a while, urging the fleet average to be raised (minimum miles per gallon cars must get) or supporting clean air acts and industrial pollution restriction, etc.
Let's not just beef about it.... LOL... there i go with the cows again.... LOL!... let's walk our talk.
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