INFORMATION LITERACY EVALUATING INFORMATION

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:

Question 24.21

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.

Question 24.22

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.

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