On Friday night, at the Amador Senior Center, A Global Warming Seminar was held. Dr. Frank Axe, who holds a Doctorate in Chemistry and is an interim Prof. at both the University of the Pacific and San Joaquin Delta College, and Jerry Scott, a local concerned citizen presented the seminar and illustrated the subject in such a way that was easily understood by the audience. The seminar was based entirely on scientific explanation and study, and was kept non political.

Topics in the presentation included: What causes global warming, Is there really a cause for serious concern, could global warming trigger sudden catastrophe, and what can I do as an individual to help and ease the effects of global warming. It was stated at the meeting that the global mean surface temp has increased .5-1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century, and that the 10 warmest years have all occurred since 1990. If nothing is done to curb global warming emissions, scientists predict that the average temperature in the United States could rise 3-9 degrees by the end of the century.  The sea level has risen between 4-8 inches over the past century, and the area of the Arctic’s perennial polar ice cap is declining at a rate of 9% per decade. The cause for concern include: melting glaciers, early snowmelt and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water shortages in the American West, rising sea levels will lead to coastal flooding on the Eastern Seaboard in Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico, Warmer sea surface temperatures will fuel more intense hurricanes in the Southeastern Atlantic, and forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests and more mosquito borne diseases.

All of these scenarios carry large economical implications. The conclusion of the seminar brought about the answer to what each person can do individually to curb Global Warming, including such ideas as replacing regular incandescent light bulbs with a CFL or LED light bulb, which last longer and use less electricity, urging your  governmental Representatives and Senators to enact Federal and State legislation to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions with programs such as the Cool Cities organization, installing low flow showerheads and faucets, or simply going out and planting a tree which uses Carbon Dioxide, one of the most abundant greenhouse gases, to thrive. About 35-40 local residents attended the seminar.