Carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun’s heat and causing the planet to warm up. Coal-burning power plants are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution - they produce 2.5 billion tons every year.
Automobiles, the second largest source, create nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually. Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. And experts think the trend is accelerating: the three hottest years on record have all occurred since 1998.
Scientists say that unless we curb global warming emissions, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century. Here’s the good news: technologies exist today to make cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, modernize power plants and generate electricity from nonpolluting sources, and cut our electricity use through energy efficiency. The challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use.
How can we help cut pollution and slow down global warming? It’s simple: By reducing pollution from vehicles and power plants. Right away, we should put existing technologies for building cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators into widespread use (drive a hybrid!). We can manufacture more efficient appliances and conserve energy. And we can increase our reliance on renewable energy sources. That is the mission of the Citizenre Corporation: to make a big impact on pollution and global warming by making clean, green, renewable solar power available to the majority of homes in America, and the world.
Energy Security
Over the past decade, electricity demand in the US has grown by roughly 30% while additional transmission capacity has only grown by 15%. In the next decade, US demand is expected to grow by 20%, while planned transmission system growth is expected to be only 3.5%. In the 70’s electricity only accounted for 25% of our nations energy needs; it now accounts for 37% and is projected to account for 50% by 2025 (EPRI – Power for a Digital Society). North American bulk electricity delivery system is not keeping pace.
