Carbon Footprint - Essay Example

Introduction

While my monthly carbon footprint is lower than the American average, 15,471 against 46,851, it is still higher than I had expected. Cognizant of the huge problem posed by climate change and the responsibility of every individual and household to address the challenge, I have been taking various measures to reduce my carbon footprint. For example, over the years, I have been keenly following the recommended practices to reduce water and energy use in household chores such as washing dishes, which helps lower emissions. I also ensure that all electronic devices are unplugged when not in use. However, from the calculation, I still need to develop more strategies to lower my carbon footprint further.

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Consumption

Particularly, I need to address my electricity and natural gas consumption. To achieve this, I intend to transition from incandescent light bulbs and choose more energy-efficient lighting, a strategy that reduces emissions considerably. It is important to note a complete switch to clean energy is the most potent way of addressing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in extension. Studies have shown that in their capacity, households can invest in solar energy (Heng et al. 111187). Therefore, I will seek to move in this direction before geothermal and wind energy are commercialized. According to research, personal transportation also significantly contributes to greenhouse emissions (Miotti et al. 10795). As such, this is also an area I need to address to cut reduce my carbon footprint. To this end, I will seek to walk more, bike, or use mass transit. The use of public transportation reduces the number of cars on the road, which, in turn, reduces the amount of emissions. I also plan to purchase an electric vehicle in the future. This technology promises to reduce greenhouse emissions in the world drastically.

While reducing future carbon footprint is important, there is also a need to remove the carbon that has already been released into the atmosphere, a process known as carbon offsetting. People can support the carbon offsetting target by supporting various projects aimed at restoring forests, increasing energy efficiency in households and transportation, as well as updating factories and power plants. Of the projects listed, I would consider supporting the RMDLT Portel-Para Redd Project in Brazil. Deforestation in the Amazon Forest, which is often referred to as the lungs of the planet, has been a major cause of concern in the recent past (Carbon Footprint). The Amazon forest helps regulate the world's carbon and oxygen cycles. It is estimated that the forest produces 6% of the world's oxygen and serves as an important carbon sink (Leman). The destruction being witnessed will reduce the capacity of the forest to absorb atmospheric carbon accelerating global warming. Logging and burning of forests also lead to the production of vast amounts of carbon dioxide, exacerbating the situation. However, scientists have confirmed that conserving the forest can help restore its status as an important carbon sink. This is the reason why I would support this particular project.

Unplanned Deforestation

Located within the Amazon, the project seeks to prevent unplanned deforestation. It is estimated that the project will help avoid an equivalent of 22 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in greenhouse gas emissions over the next four decades (Carbon Footprint). Started in 2012, the project targets 177,899.5 hectares of privately owned parcels (Carbon Footprint). Other than protecting the forest, the project will also help conserve the region's huge diversity. Some of the key activities that the project is involved in include the provision of training on monitoring of forest and biodiversity, enhancing organizational capabilities within the community, and building capacity on agroforestry techniques and efficiency in energy use. To offset my 7.376 tonnes of carbon dioxide (14,756 lbs) in the Americas where the project is located, I would need £54.15, which translates into £7.00 per tonne. Owing to the importance of the Amazon Forest to the world and the urgent need to conserve it, I would commit to giving this amount to support the project.

Conclusion

This discussion proves that everybody, in their individual capacities, has a role to play in addressing climate change, one of the biggest threats facing humankind today. As shown, one can take personal initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint, such as the adoption of clean energy, reducing reliance on personal transportation, and adhering to the recommended practices on the use of various electronic devices. To contribute to the carbon offsetting targets, one can support the various projects around the world aimed at eliminating the carbon that has already been released into the atmosphere. I found the RMDLT PORTEL-PARA Redd Project, which seeks to prevent deforestation in the Amazon Forest, one of the most critical carbon sinks in the world, incredibly impactful. As such, I would commit to supporting this project as one of my carbon offsetting initiatives.

Works Cited

Carbon Footprint. "RMDLT PORTEL-PARÁ REDD PROJECT." 2020. Carbon Footprint. 9 December 2020. https://www.carbonfootprint.com/brazil_para_redd.html.

Heng, Yan, et al. "The heterogeneous preferences for solar energy policies among US households." Energy Policy 137 (2020): 111187.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421519307736.

Leman, Jennifer. "4 Reasons Why We Need the Amazon Rainforest." 4 September 2019. Popular Mechanics. 9 December 2020.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/environment/a28910396/amazon-rainforest-importance/#:~:text=The%20Amazon%20rainforest%20plays%20an,carbon%20dioxide%20from%20the%20atmosphere.

Miotti, Marco, et al. "Personal vehicles evaluated against climate change mitigation targets." Environmental science & technology 50.20 (2016): 19795-10804.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.6b00177.