Definitions

Global warming. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has risen by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit during the past century, with most of the warming taking place during the past two decades. New and stronger evidence indicates that most of this change has occurred during the last 50 years and is attributable to human activities.

Greenhouses gases. These are primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide -- gases that tend to absorb infrared radiation and trap the heat in the atmosphere. The result, over time, is climate change. For more details on greenhouse gases go to: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/

Global Climate Change. The United States recognizes that solving the global climate change is a long-term national challenge that begins at a local level. Solutions implemented during the 21st Century will likely require fundamental changes in the way the world produces and uses energy. In the meantime, because fossil fuels will probably remain a mainstay of global energy production until the 22nd Century, we must develop new techniques and technologies to capture greenhouse gases, such as gaseous CO2, that are expelled into the atmosphere by power plants, petroleum refineries, and various high-emitting industrial processes. Department of Energy scientists have determined that, until advanced technologies are discovered to reduce carbon dioxide emissions effectively and at a reasonable cost, our nation should, for the next 50 years, take advantage of the benefits of terrestrial carbon sequestration. Learn more about the U.S. Climate Change Technology Program at: history.html.

For a list of Questions & Anwers, on the subject of Carbon Sequestration.

For an overview of the future of Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration, go to: USDA Symposium.ppt

 

Reforestation Projects