Reducing

Greenhouse

Gas Emissions

As many of you know, one of NOAA’s most important responsibilities is to help society understand, plan for, and respond to climate variability and change. Four scientists at NOAA’s Earth System Research Lab reported that greenhouse gases likely accounted for more than half of the widespread warmth across the United States in 2006 — the warmest year on record. In addition to our research, each of us can also do our part to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices, which include reducing energy use, using renewable energy, and recycling.

To help develop a greenhouse gas reduction strategy, use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator at http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html.

For more information about greenhouse gases, see NOAA’s FAQs at http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/gases.html.