united states air pollution levels (1990 – 2007) source: “national air quality, status and...
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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.
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Global Air Pollution
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Global Air Pollution
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.
The Relationship between CO2 Concentrations and Average Global Temperature
Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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1990 2000 2010 2020
Year
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Pe
r C
ap
ita
IndustrializedCountries
East Europeand Russia
DevelopingCountries
Projected Carbon Emissions
Source: “International Energy Outlook,” U.S. Department of Energy, 2007.
Climate Stabilization Paths
Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.
Temperature Effects of Different Stabilization Paths
Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.
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.
Effects of Different Temperature Increases
Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.
Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.
Time Scale of Impacts on Sea Level Rise
Some Good News
Source: “Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions” How Much At What Cost?” Creyts, et al., McKinsey & Company, December 2007.
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.
Ecological Footprints
Note: The implicit one-year financial rate of return on a CF bulb is 300%!
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
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%)
Driving (20%)
Flying (2%)
Indirect Consumption (57%)
Carbon Emissions from Vehicles
Vehicle Tons of Carbon per Year
Toyota Prius 2.10
Honda Civic 2.95
Subaru Outback 4.85
Chevy Silverado 7.00
Toyota Land Cruiser 10.10
Based on 12,000 miles per year.
Carbon Emissions from Flying
Flight Tons of Carbon
800 miles round trip 0.35
2,500 miles round trip 1.00
5,000 miles round trip 1.95
Assume a household of two takes one cross-country trip and one trip to Europe per year. Total
carbon emissions equal about 12 tons.
Priorities for Personal Action1. 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