• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the key to slowing climate change.global warming image by Andrei Merkulov from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate." While we are not certain what changes will come with global warming, climate change is sure to alter the way we farm, the natural habitats, such as fisheries, on which we rely and our heating and cooling needs. Climate change is happening so quickly that plants, animals and ultimately humans may not be able to keep up. Green solutions for global warming focus on slowing the process by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  
  

Reduce Energy Use

• Driving more fuel-efficient cars helps reduce greenhouse gas emissionspolice car speed, toy model car, chase criminal image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2007, the United States used about 21 percent of all energy produced globally. Improvements in energy efficiency will help to decrease overall energy use. One solution to energy conservation has been the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program, "a national rating system for buildings designed, constructed and operated for improved environmental and human health performance," says the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The most recent national policy on fuel economy standards aims to save 1.8 million barrels of oil over four years by requiring an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg on all new cars by 2016. The Department of Energy posts energy efficiency tax credits, grants and rebates designed to encourage energy conservation among businesses and consumers.
  
  

Increase Renewable Energy

• Wind is one source of renewable energyWindmill image by Serenitie from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the Department of Energy, "The United States accounts for only
  4 percent of the world's population yet produces 25 percent of its greenhouse gases, [mainly due to fossil fuel consumption]." Examples of cleaner renewable energy include hydropower (from water), wind, solar, geothermal and bio-fuels (from plants and waste vegetable oils). Other cleaner energy options include natural gas and nuclear power.
  
  Several government programs intended to encourage the use and further development of renewable energy include the Solar Decathlon Collegiate Competition in which 20 teams from colleges and universities compete to build the most innovative solar-powered house; Geothermal Technologies Program, which is designed to establish geothermal energy as a viable energy source for the United States; and the Biomass Program, which funds research and development programs focused on bio-fuel production.
  
  

Remove Gases from the Atmosphere

• Trees growing alongside crops absorb carbon dioxide and reduce erosion and fertilizer runoffAgriculture image by Pascal Bourgier from Fotolia.com
  
  Plants and trees use carbon dioxide and naturally remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as they grow. According to the "National Geographic," "Increasing forestlands and making changes to the way we farm could increase the amount of carbon we're storing." On a small scale, everyone should encourage the growth of green plants and trees.
  
  Many farming and forestry practices can trap carbon and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers should encourage tree populations along streams and crop fields to prevent erosion and fertilizer runoff. Meat and dairy farmers should implement rotational grazing plans so that grass stays healthy and is not susceptible to over-grazing. Forestry practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions include reforesting an area or creating a new forest, protecting existing forests and implementing sustainable forest harvesting methods.