Climate Change

"Blue Marble" Photo taken from Apollo 17 in 1972

Climate change is defined by the as "any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer)." The term global warming is often used synonymously with climate change; however, climate change refers to environmental changes beyond increase in temperature. See the EPA’s of the difference between global warming and climate change.

The EPA has put together

of what scientists know for certain about climate change. Scientists know with virtual certainty that human activities are increasing the levels of in the atmosphere. They have also observed that the earth’s mean temperature has increased steadily for the past 120 years. See and of this change developed by NASA.

The

has stated that this increase in the earth’s temperature is very likely due to the rising levels of greenhouse gases emitted by human activities. See a of the sources of CO2 emissions for a typical household. Scientists predict that as greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, average global temperatures and sea level will also continue to rise.

Climate Change Resources:

• Global Warming and our Changing Climate – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (pamphlet)
• Evangelical Environmental Network’s Global Warming Briefing for Evangelical Leaders

What ACU Is Doing:

• , sponsored by the ACU Outdoor Club, for ACU to use wind-powered renewable energy instead of a coal-burning power plant.
• A list of Facilities and Campus Managementon the ACU Campus
• Christian Stewardship with a Global Perspective: A Faculty Statement
• Sustainability and Stewardship details the philosophy and actions of ACU's environmental stance.  Check out the activities for Climate Week 2008
  to see what's coming up.
  
  

  Special highlights:	ACU in
  	Dr. Money's chapel speech (.mp3) Jan. 28, 2008

What You Can Do:

• Know your environmental footprint.  Use the  to know your current lifestyle's greenhouse gas emissions and to see how big an impact a few changes could make.
• Purchase a car with better fuel economy. or see how efficient your own vehicle is.
• that is environmentally friendly. View a list of providers for your area. Visit your provider’s website and view the electricity facts label to find out the level of emissions.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions at home. Here are from the EPA.
• Use the EPA’s to estimate your household’s greenhouse gas emissions and see how much you could lower your emissions by making small changes.
• Take the Pledgeto live more sensitively to the environment and see how your actions add up.
• The oceans are one of earth's more endangered habitats.  Learn about the , and make with these regional guides from .

Local and Statewide Initiatives:

• about the Department of Defense Energy Team’s visit to Dyess
• – Perry Dedicates Expansion of Buffalo Gap Wind Farm
• about Roscoe Wind Farm
• that mentions ACU Outdoor Club petition
• on Texas Wind Energy

Further Research:

• Search Abilene libraries
• Search other libraries

 

Original page by Kayla Hewitt.
Maintained by Laura Baker.