There is a difference between weather and climate. Global warming refers to climate change, which is long term. Freak storms don't count unless you measure them as becoming more frequent.
What's ironic about global warming is that it can result in an ice age - at least in the Atlantic area. As the cool water of the polar ice caps melt, it blocks the 'conveyor' that brings warm water into the North Atlantic. If this warm water stops circulating, the temperatures will drop and an ice age can begin. This is just as disastrous as warming since food cannot grow in cold climates either. The population will crowd into southern areas, etc. There is a theory that North America did experience a mini ice age not that long ago. The Hudson River actually was frozen thick enough for there to be ice festivals in Manhatten.
I saw Gore on an episode of Oprah - promoting the DVD release of an Inconvenient Truth. He mentioned a few simple things to do that would save money and help the environment. One was getting a blanket for the hot water heater. Another was changing to florescent compact bulbs - yes, they are more expensive, but you save money because they don't use as much electricity and you don't change them as often.
Here's a link to the other tips...
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200612/20061205/slide_20061205_350_114.jhtml
Just turning off lights when not in a room helps. Also, all the things that are on all the time (ie. cordless phones,cable modems, the clock on the microwave, etc.) use approximately 4% of the average household's energy bill. I try to remember to unplug or switch off some of these things when I am not home. People don't see all the little ways we are consuming the earth's resources. I have to admit that I'm not always good about it, but it would help if everyone at least tried to do the little things.
