Globally 'Green'

Iowa City is not the only place taking action to save the environment. People young and old, famous and poor, are fighting the fight against oil spills, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, global warming and so much more. Below are a few people who have passion for the planet and are leading the fight for change.

Al Gore

“What changed in the U.S. with Hurricane Katrina was a feeling that we have entered a period of consequences.” -Gore

Former Vice President Al Gore recently has been recognized for his crusade against global warming. Global warming is the rising of the Earth’s temperature due to carbon dioxide and other gases that are trapped in the atmosphere. 

In a recent documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” Al Gore sets out to educate the public about the planet’s deadly rising temperatures and to dispel the myths and misconceptions that surround the climate crisis.  The movie is a dramatic account of the consequences of global warming: glaciers melting, plants and animals losing their habitats and severe storms such Hurricane Katrina.

Arnold Schwarzeneger

"California will continue to be a leader in the fight against global warming and protecting our environment," Schwarzenegger said. "I am establishing clear and ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our state to protect our many natural resources, public health, agriculture and diverse landscape."

California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneger passed a bill in his state that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill is declaring that the world's sixth largest economy, California, is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The Governor is hoping that more states will follow in his footsteps.

As one of the largest economies in the world and the most populous state in the nation, California is the 10th largest carbon emitter in the world. If met on schedule, the governor's targets will lead to greater emission reductions over the next five years than will be achieved in the larger economies of either Britain or France.

Toyota

Toyota has developed a car that is environmentally friendly and light on your bank account. The 2007 Prius is an industry leader with hybrid technology, an emissions-free motor, and fuel effiency allowing the car to achieve 55 miles-per-gallon.

The future of Energy

Here are some facts about the future of oil, our primary energy source. I have gathered information from a speech titled "Peak Oil" given by Richard Heinberg. I was given the transcripts from Alternative Radio.

Sources: Toyota Web site & An Inconvenient Truth movie Web site