Energy abuse, pollution and global warming are on the rise. If corrective and preventive measures are not taken, weather changes of catastrophic proportions will become more frequent, and even more severe. Effects of global warming can be seen in all parts of the world, and they point to an increasingly ominous future.

Coral Reefs: The Canaries in the Cage of Earth - (And they' re not looking healthy)

Coral reefs are good indicators of the Earth's health, as they have ecologies that are particularly sensitive to the increases of carbondioxide in the atmosphere. Higher carbondioxide concentrations make the oceans warmer, causing corals to 'bleach," whereby they lose the symbiotic algae that not only give corals their unique colours, but are also vital to their survival. More carbondioxide in the oceans also mean more acidic waters that dissolve coral exoskeletons and prevent new corals from developing. 25% of coral reefs world-wide has already been lost in the last 35 years, with more than 30% facing extinction right now.

Not only is the loss of coral reefs a warning, it is a disaster in and of itself. Forming crucial, natural wave-breakers that protect coastlines, their loss would open up many human settlements to the threat of storms and flooding. Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean, and house more than 25% of all marine species. Not only do coral reefs support marine life, they support human life as well: over 1 billion people depend on coral reefs for their livelihood. With unabated rise in carbondioxide levels, ALL coral reefs may be extinct by our grandchildren's generation. (For more information on coral reefs please visit http://www.coral.org/)

Can we make a difference?

Every individual can help, and can make a difference. Many believe that to 'go green' involves large sums of money, and drastic lifestyle changes, but this is simply not the case. While there are many 'green' products that won't break the bank, there is a lot that one can do even before spending a single cent. The truth is that 99% of us are not very energy efficient, and can save significantly simply by being more energy conscious, and with minor to no changes in lifestyle. From being mindful of switching off the lights when leaving a room, to unplugging equipment when not in use, you can start reducing your carbon footprint, help the environment as well as lower your bills. Did you know that you can turn down your geyser temperature setting by a mere 5 degrees, and realize an immediate 7% energy savings on the geyser? Take a look at our Saving Tips section for more helpful advice on conserving. Think green. Go green.

Can we stop global warming?

Efficient and renewable technologies cannot, in themselves, reverse or even stop global warming and pollution. The problem is not technological, it is cultural. Renewable energy technologies already exist, but its utilization and potential remain suppressed due to the fossil fuel addiction of the human race as a whole. It is only with efficient lifestyles on a societal level that we can begin to see widespread energy efficiency. And it is only with an energy consciousness that is truly global that we can begin to wean ourselves from our deadly fossil fuel dependence. It is in our power to change, we certainly have the means to ensure a cleaner future, and to begin repairing the Earth that is home to us all.