An Inconvenient Truth

A record crowd turned out to see the movie AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH on global warming at the Ida Hilton Public Library in Darien.  The October showing, sponsored by the Altamaha Riverkeeper, offered a passionate and inspirational look at former Vice President Al Gore’s crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress by exposing myths and misconceptions.

The United States pumps out 25 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to statistics in the film. “The fight against climate crisis is a humanitarian mission that our nation must lead. This is not a political issue. This is a moral issue. It affects the survival of human civilization,” says Gore. He is lobbying for more government action and for new policies and initiatives by the country’s automakers, builders, and others.

Check out the website ClimateCrisis to see the things individuals can do.

On the website, Climatecrisis.net Gore lists some of the things individuals can do to about the climate crisis.

YOUR IMPACT AT HOME

• Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl)
• Move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer
• Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases
• Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket
• Use less hot water
• Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible
• Turn off electronic devices you’re not using
• Unplug electronics from the wall when you’re not using them
• Buy Green electricity when available
• Buy the most energy efficient appliances and other products
• Only run your dishwasher when there’s a full load and use the energy-saving setting
• Insulate and weatherize your home
• Be sure you’re recycling at home
• Buy recycled paper products
• Plant a tree
• Get a home energy audit
• Switch to green power
• Buy locally grown and produced foods
• Buy fresh foods instead of frozen
• Seek out and support local farmers markets
• Buy organic foods as much as possible
• Avoid heavily packaged products
• Eat less meat

REDUCE YOUR IMPACT WHILE ON THE MOVE

• Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible
• Start a carpool with your coworkers or classmates
• Keep your car tuned up
• Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated
• When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle or a hybrid
• Try car sharing
• Try telecommuting from home
• Fly less

HELP BRING ABOUT CHANGE LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

• Encourage your school or business to reduce emissions
• Join the The Stop Global Warming Virtual March
• Encourage the switch to renewable energy
• Protect and conserve forest worldwide
• Consider the impact of your investments
• Make your city cool
• Tell Congress to act
• Make sure your voice is heard!

Gore says individuals can make a difference, from replacing regular light bulbs with energy-efficient ones to reducing personal carbon emissions and striving for carbon neutrality.