Climate change can feel like an overwhelming problem, far beyond one person’s ability to influence. How much does it really affect the environment if you drive a truck instead of a car or keep your air conditioner set at 70°F instead of 72°F? Well, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a calculator to answer these questions.
Evaluate the website and work with the information to answer the following questions:
Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website (www.epa.gov).
What is the mission of the EPA?
Is the EPA website up to date? Does it appear to be accurate? Reliable? Explain.
How long has the EPA been a part of the U.S. government? Does it appear to have been effective? Explain.
Go to the EPA emissions calculator by visiting www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/ind-calculator.html or searching the EPA website for “household carbon footprint calculator.”
Complete the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator.
What is your estimated annual level of greenhouse gas emissions (personal or family)? What is the largest source of your greenhouse gas emissions?
Do these estimates seem accurate to you? Why or why not?
What actions did the calculator identify that you could use to decrease your emissions? How much emissions could you reasonably save if you followed the recommendations?
Identify one action that you would be most likely to do. What is it, and how much impact would it have?
What action would you be least likely to do? Why?
If individuals were to follow the EPA recommendations, what impact do you think this would have on global carbon emissions? Explain your reasoning.
Find an additional case study online at http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/saes2e