Global warming is a huge problem, and that means it’s going to need huge solutions. Lots of people will have to help if we are going to successfully turn the tide. It will mean changing the way we live—maybe in small ways, but in some big ways, too.

The United States releases more carbon dioxide than any other country, even though we have only five percent of the world’s population. If everyone in the world lived the way people in the United States do, it would take 5 Earths to provide enough resources for everyone! The good news is: We can all help turn this around.

So how do I get started?

Because there’s no single solution to global warming, there are many ways to take action. It’s all about reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we release.

For the average family in the United States, half of the carbon dioxide comes from heating and cooling the house. One quarter comes from transportation, and the other one quarter comes from using electricity. You and your family can make changes in all of these areas to reduce your "carbon footprint."

What’s my carbon footprint?

The total amount of carbon dioxide you contribute is sometimes known as your "carbon footprint." Think of it as the impact you have on the planet. A small footprint means you are living lightly. A big footprint means you’re making a big impact.

Here are a few ways to reduce your footprint. For lots more ideas, see Ranger Rick's Family Action Plan for Global Warming.

Heating and Cooling

• Wear warm clothes in the winter instead of turning up the heat. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler.
• Plant trees around your house for shade so you won’t need as much air conditioning.

Transportation

• For short trips, try to walk or ride a bike instead of riding in a car.
• Check your family’s car to be sure the tires are properly inflated. If you’ve ever tried to ride a bike when the tires were squishy, you’ll know why cars use more gas if the tires are low on air.
• Is your family buying a new car? Choose one that gets high gas mileage to use less gas (and save money, too).

Electricity

• Turn off the lights, computer, and TV when you’re not using them.
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs.