We Hold The Solution To Global Warming

Global warming will result in the rise of the ocean levels, loss of land mass and fresh water, extreme changes in climate and weather patterns with resulting heat related stress and deaths, deterioration in health, loss of the already critical supply of fresh water, extinction of many plant and animal species, and irreversible change of life as we know it.

We have already witnessed some of the phenomena in the past decade. “Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide CO2, nitrogen oxides NOx, carbon monoxide CO, sulphates SOx and methane CH4) are accumulating in Earth’s atmosphere as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels, garbage combustion, and changes in land use, such as deforestation and other human activities, causing surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures to rise.

Since the 1980’s the atmospheric CO2 concentration has increased by over 40 ppm. Temperatures at the Earth’s surface increased by an estimated 0.6 degree C (1°F) over the 20th century. The 1990s were the hottest decade of the entire century; and 1998, 2001, and 2002 were three of the hottest years ever recorded. Projections of future global warming suggest a global increase of 2.5°F to 10.4 degree F (1.4°C to 5.8 °C) by the end of the century.

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges that Global Warming is responsible for heat related stress, climate-induced respiratory problems and increased mortality rates. The most prominent incidence of heat related deaths occurred during July 2003 in France where the temperature remained in the mid 40's Celsius (105°F) for an unprecedented 3 weeks killing almost 15,000 people. The number of heat-related deaths will continue to rise and major cities around the world where there are hot, humid air masses in summertime, would be the worst hit.

These warmer temperatures are expected to raise sea level by expanding ocean water, melting mountain glaciers, and melting parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Sea level has risen worldwide approximately 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in the last century. Approximately 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) of the rise has resulted from the melting of mountain glaciers. Another 2-7 cm (1.5-3.5 inches) has resulted from the expansion of ocean water that resulted from warmer ocean temperatures. Thawing of the arctic regions will release additional greenhouse gasses, only compounding the problem.

Each 1°C (2°F) of warming will shift temperature zones by about 100 miles northward (or 500 feet in elevation). Many plant and animal species will be unable to migrate fast enough to find suitable habitats. Scientists estimate that an increase of 3°C (5°F) could threaten 7-11% of North America's plant species and a loss of fresh water fish habitat of 1.7-2.3 million acres by 2060.

As individual contributors to this global crisis
how can we take steps towards saving the planet?

The solution to global warming is simple: Reduce green house gas emissions. This can be achieved by reducing our energy consumption and efficiency and by transferring our reliance on fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydrogen and hydroelectricity. The recent August blackout in 2003 in the northeast was a very concrete lesson of the necessity to cut down on energy consumption now!

The Kyoto protocol aims to reduce global green house gas emission to 1990 levels by 2012. The ratification procedure requires the signature of 55 industrialized nations accounting for at least 55% of total emissions. The US presently accounts for 25% of global emissions.

As a global corporate citizen Viconics’ ISO14001 certification demonstrates that environmental protection is one of the key goals. We strive to significantly increase environmental awareness through stricter practices, manufacturing processes and education. We pledge to work with all marketing and sales channel participants within the product and services value stream by example, advocating and demonstrating environmentally safe, “best practices”.

As a designer and manufacturer of thermostats and electronic temperature controls, Viconics is committed to providing our customers with products and solutions that reduce energy consumption/cost and improve occupant comfort. Our precise PI (proportional and integral) control electronic thermostats achieve control accuracies of 0.5°C (0.9°F).The more accurate the thermostat the less temperature “over and undershoot” occurs reducing the demand and emissions from our power stations. A bonus is that this temperature control reduction translates to an annual heating and cooling savings up to 10 percent. Utilizing a Viconics digital setback or communicating thermostat can save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs (with the corresponding reduction in green house gasses). This translates to a great return on investment for both the owner and the planet.

We should not wait for our governments to take the lead or to force legislation, we can all do our share by acting now!