Q: What is global warming?
A: Global warming is a term that describes the pattern of an increasing average global temperature. The temperature has risen 1 °F in the past 100 years, and could raise 2 to 6 °F in the next 100 years.

Q: Why is global warming bad?
A: Global warming is progressing at an alarming rate, and in large part due to human causes. The effects of global warming, such as stronger tropical storms and the altering arctic ecosystem, are starting to show themselves, and will keep progressing if our habits continue.

Q: What are greenhouse gases? Why is CO₂ so bad?
A: Greenhouse gases are gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, or the blanket-like attribute of the atmosphere that keeps temperature in a livable range. These include, among many others, water vapor, methane (CH₄), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

CO₂ is emitted into the atmosphere by many human devices, including coal- and oil-burning power plants and other oil-burning machinery. As more and more CO₂ is emitted, the greenhouse effect that it contributes to is enhanced, and that speeds up global warming.

Q: Do humans have that big of an impact?
A: Yes! Scientists have determined that a lot if not most of the global warming that has occurred in the last 50 years is due to human causes. Global warming was really kick-started when the Industrial Revolution took place, beginning human reliance on coal and oil. Most of the energy consumption has occurred in the past 100 years, during which, the average temperature of the Earth rose about 1 °F. That 1 °F may not seem like much, but when speaking about average global temperature it can mean a whole lot. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average global temperature may increase 2 to 6 °F in the next 100 years. As a reference, the last ice age was only 7 °F colder than today.

Q: The damage has already happened, so what use are my efforts? What difference can I make?
A: The Earth is an amazing planet, and, like a living being, is able to heal itself. If we begin to reduce the amounts of dangerous greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, then we also begin the cycle of the Earth's self-healing. It will take time, and some damage may end up being permanent, but by taking care of the Earth we can be sure that it will continue to be a healthy place to live.

FAQs: POPI
Q: Why don't you do something that will make a bigger difference?
A: When you think about it, it is true that unplugging a bunch of stuff doesn't make a huge difference. But we like to think about the bigger picture. Years and years down the road, our efforts will have saved pounds upon pounds of carbon. And the people who we encounter while working on our project may change their ways to be more environmentally conscious. Like the idea in the movie Pay It Forward, a little effort on one person's part can end up making a gargantuan difference.

Q: How do you pronounce POPI?
A: It is pronounced like a poppy flower.