Climate Change
What is Your Carbon Footprint?
Your carbon footprint is the direct effect that your actions and lifestyle have on the environment in terms of CO2 emissions. Probably the biggest contributors to your personal “footprint” are your travel needs, and your electricity demands. The power used to move (most) cars, planes, and to provide us with electricity is supplied by burning fossil fuel (e.g., coal, oil, gasoline). These actions contribute to accelerating global warming and climate change.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change, or global warming, is the result of a build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, chiefly carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases trap the sun’s heat in the atmosphere and keep the earth warm. However, when the concentration of these gases gets too high, the earth’s equilibrium gets out of balance, and we experience a dangerous rise in temperatures. Temperature rise can result in severe weather conditions and storms; sea level rise and shoreline loss; and an increase in the ocean’s temperatures resulting in coral bleaching and even coral death. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change projects that global temperatures will rise an additional 3 to 10° F by the century's end!
What can you do to decrease your Carbon Footprint?
Everyone has a responsibility to the world we live in now and the world we will leave to future generations. Take a first step to reduce your carbon footprint and “Take the Right Route” April 11th by walking, running, biking, or carpooling to work or school. You will save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don’t drive, save money, and maybe even your waistline.
Coordinator packets are available here.
Last Updated: 3/21/2008 8:35:17 AM