We have seen and heard the mostly-negative effects of global warming all over the world. We may experience more heat waves, more severe flooding, more extensive droughts, as well as changes in the coastline and rivers. However, it is not too late to act and procrastination is not an option.

Humankind has been contributing to an increase in global temperatures, mainly due to more heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that we produce in burning fossil fuel and deforestation. If we keep on "waiting and see what happens", the problem would be more difficult to address and the consequences would be much more serious. Here are some of what we can do today that can have an enormous impact on the fight against global warming.

Purchase better cars and SUVs - Fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles have been available in the market. It is up to you if you purchase it. Vehicle exhaust has been the single largest impact on climate change. Each gallon of fuel burned contributes to 20 pounds of heat-trapping carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere. Cars with better gas mileage not only reduces global warming, but also would save you from thousands of dollars worth of fuel. Check the fuel economy sticker on the vehicles that you consider buying, and also be on a lookout for hybrid engines.

Contribute to lesser vehicles on the road - Whenever possible, join a carpool or take mass transit instead of driving alone. Fewer vehicles mean fewer exhaust.

Use renewable energy sources - More environment-friendly energy sources have become available such as the use of solar panels or wind energy. Check with your electrical company if they can provide you with "green power" choices, or you could switch to another electrical utility that provides 50 to 100 percent renewable energy.

Look for the Energy Star - When replacing appliances, look for the Energy Star label on new appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters. These items may cost a bit more, but its energy-efficient features would benefit your electrical bill (and the environment as well). If each household in the United States replaced its existing applicances with the most efficient models available, the country would save $15 billion worth of energy costs every year and eliminate 175 million tons of greenhouse gases.

Unplug - A quick way to reduce global warming impact is to unplug some appliances that you do not use such as an extra refrigerator or freezer (especially if there aren't anything inside) as well as cell phone chargers. Use the freezer when you need it for holidays and parties. Doing so can reduce the typical family's carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 10 percent.

Home energy audits - Many utilities, especially in North America, offer free home energy audits and you should take advantage of it. Simple measures to control your home temperature more efficiently, such as installing a programmable thermostat or sealing and insulating heating and cooling ducts, can reduce a typical family's CO2 emissions by around 5 percent.

Use more energy-efficient light bulbs - Lighting uses about one-fourth of all the electricity in the United States, and much of this electricity is generated from polluting fossil fuel power plants. It is best to replace your incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent light that come in all shapes and sizes. These fluorescent lamps are actually brighter and last longer than ordinary light bulbs.

Use sustainably-harvested timber - When buying trees, logs, or timber, check if these wood products are sustainably harvested. This means that these came from well-managed forests and cutting them would only have a minimal impact on biodiversity.

Plant a tree - Get a group in your neighborhood together and contact your local arborist or urban forester about planting trees on private property and public area. Trees planted in and around urban areas not only provide more carbon storages, but also provide much-needed shade in the summer.

There are many different ways of helping reduce the effects of global warming. With your own little way, we can help the Earth breathe a bit more freely.