Experts measure past temperatures by looking at the thickness of tree rings, air bubbles trapped in ice cones and the chemistry of ocean sediments. Current research says that the world has not been this warm for 2,000 years and that the rate and duration of current warming periods cannot be considered a wholly natural part of the recovery process from the last ice age. Global warming is simply happening too fast.
Climate change is affecting the natural environment of parrots across the globe, but too many messages of doom and gloom can make you feel powerless and apathetic. When it comes to global warming, however, you can make a difference just through your everyday energy choices. Follow these tips, and your pet bird’s cousin will thank you.
1. Turn off lights if you’re not in the room
2. Unplug things when you’re not using them (phone charger, computer, paper shredder, etc.)
3. Don’t leave the TV on standby
4. Don’t overfill the kettle – boil what you need
5. Turn down heating/air conditioning to a comfortable level
6. Insulate your home
7. Install energy-saving light bulbs
8. When you can, walk or ride a bike rather than drive
9. Use public transportation or carpool if you can’t walk or bike
10. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle
11. Ask your power company about using green energy from solar, wind, biomass or hydro-electric
12. Don’t buy things you don’t really need
13. Choose products shipped locally
For the full story on global warming and parrots, check out the January issue of Bird Talk Magazine.
Read More On Global Warming
For more information on climate change, check out these websites.
www.iucn.org
www.economist.com
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
www.foe.co.uk
http://worldwildlife.org/climate
www.climatehotmap.org
www.greenhouse.gov.au
www.unep.ch/ipcc
www.whatyoucando.co.uk
www.newscientist.com