Every individual's consumption habits have an impact on climate change and global warming.
You may not believe your own consumption habits contribute to global warming, but climate change starts with you. The foods you eat and the way you travel has a definite global impact. By reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of your daily activities, you are lowering the world's carbon footprint.
Climate Change
Human consumption of fossil fuels has grown so much in recent decades that byproducts such as carbon monoxide and methane are heating the Earth's atmosphere. These so-called greenhouse gasses from vehicle emissions and power plants are changing the Earth's climate on a fundamental level. The Nature Conservancy reports that during the 20th century, average global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit. That may not sound like much, but take into account that rising temperatures are linked to stronger hurricanes, more droughts and increased coral deaths from bleaching.
Carbon Footprint
"Carbon footprint" is a term coined in this new age of global warming to help quantify climate change. According to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, a carbon footprint measures greenhouse gas emissions based on the consumption activities of a region, a nation or an individual. On a global scale, consumption of food accounts for 20 percent of the world's carbon footprint, followed closely by the operation and maintenance of residences at 19 percent. Buying food from local markets and utilizing renewable energy can greatly reduce your personal carbon footprint.
Transportation
Transportation produces a large carbon footprint, largely because of the high volume of vehicles that burn fossil fuels and emit dangerous levels of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. According to the Carbon Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps you calculate your own carbon footprint, fuel economy is a vital tool against transportation related emissions. They report that the U.S. average fuel economy is about 25.2 miles per gallon. Because unleaded gasoline contains 8.87 kg (19.56 lbs) of CO2 per gallon, increasing your fuel economy can directly reduce your carbon footprint.
Residential
The Nature Conservancy reports that air conditioning and heating account for almost half of electricity used in the average American home. According to the Carbon Fund, these electricity sources emit an average of 1.297 lbs. of CO2 per kWh. In addition, both natural gas and heating oil are large contributors to the residential carbon footprint. Natural gas leads the way with nearly 62.5 million households burning natural gas at a rate of 12.0593 lbs. CO2 per CCF (centum cubic feet, or 100 cubic feet). In contrast, clean energy sources like wind and solar have little to no carbon impact and can greatly reduce the carbon footprint of residential operations.
Carbon Offset
Becoming carbon neutral is the goal of eco-minded individuals, but living a carbon-free lifestyle is not always practical. It is possible to offset your carbon footprint, however, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in other ways. The Nature Conservancy estimates that 15 percent of carbon emissions come from deforestation and changes in land usage. Therefore, by supporting clean energy initiatives and planting new trees, you can provide a system of checks and balances to protect future generations.
