Global warming? global warning

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 288, 30 May 1989, Page 13

Global warming? global warning

This year's theme for United Nations World Environment Day, Monday June 5, is Global Warming, Global Warning.

The theme arises out of international concern over the greenhouse effect - the warming up of the earth's atmosphere as a result of the buildup of gases such as car-

bon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and methane - all of which retain heat. Increased levels of carbon dioxide, which alone is responsible for

about half the build-up of gases, comes from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and petrol used for heating electricity, and transport. To mark World Environment Day, and also provide some ideas on action that individuals

can take, the Ministry for the Environment is producing a poster and complementing pamphlet to send to schools and interest groups. The pamphlet covers the reasons for the major environmental problems, which arise

from uncontrolled exploitation and pollution. It also suggests ecological considerations to be taken into account in our daily living. Suggestions include avoiding aerosols containing CFC propellants (one of the major causes of the thinning of ozone in the upper atmosphere), ways to encourage recycling and therefore reduce exploitation of resources, wise ways with energy, and ways to avoid using toxic chemicals. For example, the growing concentration of toxic chemicals in the earth's water, soil, and air is posing a threat to the health of ecosystems.

Pesticides, heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are just some of the poisons. Steps that people can take to reduce these are: - Ask shopkeepers for organically grown food, or join or help set up an organic food cooperative. - Look for unbleached paper products, such as brown envelopes and corrugated cardboard. - Use less pesticide on your home garden - investigate naturalcontrol alternatives. - Limit the home use of poisonous chemicals as much as possible by finding non-toxic alternatives. - For your boat, don't

use anti-foulant paints with a tributyltin (TBT) base, because this damages marine life. - Use unleaded petrol, CNG, or LPG in your car - lead poisoning has been linked to nervous system disorders and behavioural problems in children. Also both CNG and LPG generate less "greenhouse gas" than petrol. Addresses of organisations which can provide further information are also included in the pamphlet. World Environment Day aptly coincides with Arbour Day. Planting more trees throughout the world will help to combat rising levels of carbon dioxide^ because trees absorb the gas.