Global warming is in the air.

Throughout history the Earth’s climate has changed many times — experiencing drought, extended periods of high temperatures, and even ice ages. Since the dawn of the industrial age, the global economy has become increasingly dependent on the use of fossil fuels to power our businesses and our way of life. With our increased use of carbon-emitting fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, scientists agree that humans are having an effect on the climate.

As our energy use emits carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases into the air, these gases act like a greenhouse, effectively trapping heat and preventing it from exiting into space, resulting in warmer surface temperatures. While some level of greenhouse gases are required to maintain the atmospheric temperature of the planet, the rate of increase since the onset of the industrial age has far exceeded naturally occurring levels. In 2003, the world’s emissions topped 27 metric tons of CO2, with the U.S. responsible for about 22% of those emissions.

The majority of the world’s climate scientists agree that greenhouse gas emissions have a significant impact on the climate and global warming. While scientists continue gathering data showing dramatic climate shifts, efforts to discover solutions are growing. Around the globe, people like you are choosing alternative fuels, renewable energy sources, new travel options and ways to reduce or conserve energy.

Global warming diagram

At BeGreen, we share your growing concern. We believe if steps aren’t taken now, these emissions will continue to alter the climate and disrupt our ecosystems. When you reduce and offset your carbon footprint with BeGreen, your actions also help to protect natural resources, drive economic expansion for clean technologies, reduce foreign energy dependence, and aid health and human safety. For these reasons, we’re hoping you’ll join us to help lead the world toward a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Links to additional global warming information:

Natural Resource Defense Council
NRDC is the one of the nation's most effective environmental action groups, with a wealth of information about the effects of global warming.
http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA's Climate Change site offers comprehensive information on the issue of climate change in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society — communities, individuals, business, states and localities, and governments.
http://www.epa.gov/

Pew Center on Global Climate Change
The Pew Center on Global Climate Change brings together business leaders, policy makers, scientists, and other experts to develop new approaches to this complex and often controversial issue.
http://www.pewclimate.org/

Union of Concerned Scientist (Global Warming FAQ)
The Union of Concerned Scientists is one of the leading science-based nonprofits working for a healthy environment and a safer world.
http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/