Transcript PowerPoint slides used in class

United States Air Pollution Levels (1990 – 2007)
Source: “National Air Quality, Status and Trends through 2007,” U.S. EPA, 2008.
United States Air Pollution Levels (1980 – 2007)
Source: “National Air Quality, Status and Trends through 2007,” U.S. EPA, 2008.
United States Surface Water Quality
Source: “National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress,” U.S. EPA, 2007.
United States Coastal Water Status
Source: “National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress,” U.S. EPA, 2007.
Global Air Pollution
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Global Air Pollution
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Global Fisheries Status
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Global Ecosystems Status
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Ozone Depletion
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Ozone Depletion
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4,
United Nations Environment Programme,
2007.
Greenhouse Effect
The Relationship between CO2 Concentrations and Average
Global Temperature
Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Historical Carbon Emissions
Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC)
Projected Carbon Emissions
Source: “International Energy Outlook,” U.S. Department of Energy, 2007.
Projected Carbon Emissions
Annual Tons Per Capita
16
14
12
10
Industrialized
Countries
8
6
East Europe
and Russia
4
Developing
Countries
2
0
1990
2000
2010
Year
Source: “International Energy Outlook,” U.S. Department of Energy, 2007.
2020
Climate Stabilization Paths
Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.
Temperature Effects of Different Stabilization Paths
Note: Difference between current temperature and the last ice age is about 5°C.
Under a “Business as Usual” scenario there is a 50% chance of an eventual
temperature change exceeding 5°C.
Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.
Effects of
Different
Temperature
Increases
Source: “Stern Review on
the Economics of Climate
Change,” HM Treasury,
2006.
Time Scale of Impacts on Sea Level Rise
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Some Good News
Source: “Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions” How Much At What Cost?” Creyts, et al., McKinsey &
Company, December 2007.
Ecological Footprints
According to
global data,
humanity is
currently
overshooting
the ecological
capacity of the
Earth by about
40%.
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Compact Fluorescent
Light Bulbs
Note: The implicit one-year financial rate of return on a CF bulb is 300%!
Typical Household Carbon
Budget
Average for a household in the U.S. is about 60 tons, only 25
tons is direct.
Heating/Cooling (11%)
Hot Water (3%)
Lighting/Appliances (6%)
Indirect
Consumption (57%)
Driving (20%)
Flying (2%)
Carbon Emissions from
Vehicles
Vehicle
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic
Tons of Carbon per Year
2.10
2.95
Subaru Outback
Chevy Silverado
Toyota Land Cruiser
4.85
7.00
10.10
Based on 12,000 miles per year.
Carbon Emissions from
Flying
Flight
800 miles round trip
2,500 miles round trip
Tons of Carbon
0.35
1.00
5,000 miles round trip
1.95
Assume a household of two takes one crosscountry trip and one trip to Europe per year. Total
carbon emissions equal about 12 tons.
Priorities for Personal Action
1. Choose a place to live that reduces the need to drive.
2. Think twice before purchasing another car.
3. Choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car.
4. Set concrete goals for reducing your travel.
5. Whenever practical, walk, bike, or take public transportation.
6. East less meat.
7. Buy certified organic produce.
8. Choose your home carefully.
9. Reduce the environmental costs of heating and hot water.
10.Install efficient lighting and appliances.
11.Choose an electricity supplier offering renewable energy.
Avoid These High-Impact Activities
1. Powerboats
2. Pesticides and fertilizers
3. Gasoline-powered yard equipment
4. Fireplaces and wood stoves
5. Recreational off-road driving
6. Hazardous cleaners and paints
7. Products made from endangered or threatened species
Seven Rules for Responsible Consumption
1. Give special attention to major purchases (e.g.,
refrigerators, pools, snowmobiles)
2. Become a weight watcher
3. Analyze your consumption quantitatively (e.g., track
water use)
4. Don’t worry or feel guilty about unimportant decisions
(e.g., paper vs. plastic, paper plates, clothes fabrics)
5. Look for opportunities to be a leader (e.g., buy a hybrid,
start a carpool, organize)
6. Buy more of those things that help the environment (e.g.,
microwaves, recycled products, low-flow faucets)
7. Think about non-environmental reasons for reducing
consumption