But don’t take off all your clothes…
However, if you do find yourself reaching for a refreshing mojito more often this summer, you're likely feeling the heat… Heat at a 400-year high, that is, according to a recent report from the National Academy of Sciences.
It’s so hot that polar bears are turning into cannibals, at least according to a recent study. And grapes in Napa are at risk (yikes!).
Heat is high, gas and oil prices are at record highs, and bears are eating each other.
Is there anything to be done?
With Al Gore setting out to educate the world about global warming, the new buzz word seems to be carbon “neutral" – meaning energy sources that don’t emit carbons (which are bad for the environment).
Carbon-less energies gaining popularity While still just a small fraction of overall energy sources, solar, wind and nuclear power are among the favorites.
Solar: The sun is free but it can cost on average about $18,000 to install a solar system at home. There’s a Federal tax incentive this year to install solar panels and most states offer rebates to offset the cost. If you live in a sunny state, your electricity bill could be $0 or negative (in some cases you can sell excess power that you make back to the power company).
> How it works
Wind: Big fans harness the wind and turn it into usable energy that can be purchased. No emissions but have you seen those big lots with fans that look like a crop growing on the land? Find out if you can buy wind in your state.
> How it works
Nuclear: While controversial, nuclear power yields no emissions and already accounts about 20% of power source in U.S.
> How it works
Watch for energy to be a key topic at the G8 Summit in Russia, which begins Saturday.


