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Climate and Global Warming
Human use of fossil fuels and mismanagement of land is warming the earth beyond natural bounds. From driving our cars to deforesting the Amazon, our actions add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This excess carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, increasing land and ocean temperatures. While global warming is anthropogenic, so will be the resolution. Our efforts can slow, stop, and reverse human contribution to global warming. YSEC is dedicated to reforms that will reduce our contribution personally and at Yale.
Energy
Our reliance, or addiction, to fossil fuels contributes to global warming. As such, we promote utilizing renewable sources of energy: sun, wind, biomass, ocean currents, geothermal, and more. Soon oil and eventually coal and other fossil fuels will be exhausted. In the future, we will rely entirely on sustainable, renewable energy. We promote the technologies of the future to protect the climate of today.
Health
Our modern society has improved countless lives but has also introduced new dangers. Pesticides, chemical waste, and air pollution are only a few of the environmental health threats for which YSEC wants to minimize production and eliminate exposure.
Air
The air we breathe is a mixture of natural and anthropogenic chemicals. Ground-level ozone, sulfates, partially-combusted hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide are some of the many pollutants in our air. YSEC is dedicated to reducing all air pollution, from smog in New Haven to acid rain in the Northeast to ground-level ozone in Los Angeles.
Water
Water issues encompass the streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans of the world as well as our own drinking water. Chemical pollution, oil spills, and eutrophication all threaten our natural bodies of water and the ecosystems they support. Thus, our pollution can reduce economic benefits from fisheries, recreation, and tourism. Closer to home, our drinking water can accumulate contaminants from pipes, bottles, and too many chlorine additives. YSEC is dedicated to cleaning and preserving our natural water sources.
Wilderness and Forests
Our mountains, forests, plains, are just a few of the ecosystems that comprise the world’s heritage. YSEC strives to protect all wilderness areas for future generations by promoting recycling, reducing paper use, and preserving pristine areas through both legislative and economic means.
Wildlife
Worldwide alone 1177 species of animals and 747 plants are threatened or endangered in the United States. Internationally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) protects about 5,000 species of animals and 28,000 species of plants from over-exploitation through international trade. YSEC works to protect all species against extinction by preventing exploitation, habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of invasive species.
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For more information about getting involved, or about YSEC generally, please contact: cornelia.twining@yale.edu
matthew.ramlow@yale.edu
rachel.shaffer@yale.edu
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