North Atlantic and would result in a decrease of heavier saline waters sinking
than in traditional ocean circulation patterns. This would have significant effects
on the fishing industry. Localized cooling in the North Atlantic, brought about
through the reduction of thermohaline circulation currents (North Atlantic drift),
could result in much colder temperatures in Britain and Scandinavia.
REDUCING CLIMATE CHANGE
Stabilizing the current global warming crisis would require:
■ A decrease in methane emissions by 8%
■ A decrease in nitrous oxide emissions by 50%
■ A decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%The following table lists some examples of steps that can be adopted to
mitigate the effects of global climate change in various sectors.
Steps That Can be Taken to Mitigate the Effects of Global Climate ChangeSector Steps That Can Be Taken
Agriculture – Introduce financial incentives (reduced taxes)
for large agricultural corporations that institute
standardized “good land management
policies,” such as increasing soil quality
levels, utilizing conservation tillage
techniques, reducing the use of water, and
reducing the amount of inorganic, nitrogen-
based fertilizers.Buildings – Require all public and private buildings to be
insulated to a universal standard.
– Institute a tax on all buildings found not to be
in compliance with a universal, standardized
level of insulation.– Require all appliances to be Energy Star®
certified.
– Give subsidies to homeowners and businesses
who install photovoltaic solar systems.