Mark Johnson

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A new paper by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison paints a stark picture of climate changes taking place.

Here are six things Wisconsin families can do to fight climate change:

Weatherizing and insulating houses, replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows. UW Geography professor Jack Williams said that taking these steps “cut our home heating energy and bill by 30 percent."

Install a pellet stove, one which burns pellets made from recycled materials. Such stoves produce a minimum of smoke, create less ash and give off less flammable creosote.

Install solar panels on the roof, using Focus on Energy incentives ($2,000 rebate). Madison residents can take advantage of the city’s group-buy program, which reduces costs.

Turn down the heat when you’re not at home.

Use more energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

Switch to driving electric cars, which should come down in price, according to Jonathan Overpeck, a professor in University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability.

Williams recommended the book and website, Project Drawdown for people interested in climate solutions. It provides a top 10 and top 100 list of the most effective solutions.

RELATED:Earth on course to match climate from 3 million years ago by 2030, UW study says







