Kids urged to take state's global warming challenge

Youths and their families can take action at home to combat global warming by participating in the New Jersey Global Warming Summer Challenge.

The goal of the challenge - sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Environmental (DEP) Protection and Liberty Science Center, in cooperation with the Board of Public Utilities - is to increase understanding of global warming and to have people commit to reducing energy use at home, according to a press release from the DEP's communications office.

Participants in the challenge will learn about global warming by conducting a home energy analysis and pledging to undertake practical energy conservation strategies to decrease their contributions to global warming.

The first 50 participants to send in complete challenge submissions will receive two free passes (one student and one adult) to a special program and tour at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City.

All participants will be given the opportunity to have their pledges recognized at the New Jersey global warming Web site so that their commitment to the environment can motivate others to get involved.

Challenge submissions must come from youths between the ages of 8 and 15. Participants must be New Jersey residents. Submissions must be faxed or sent via mail and will not be accepted if postmarked or faxed after Aug. 31.

To learn more about the New Jersey Global Warming Summer Challenge and how to participate, visit www.nj.gov/globalwarming/index.shtml or e-mail NJglobalwarmingcontest@dep.state.nj.us.