Students from around the world calculated their class mean and standard deviations for their footprints and posted them on our world map.
Do you see differences across the globe? If so, why do you think those differences exist?
Did you use the calculator to try to reduce your footprint down to the average from a citizen of another country? What changes would you have to make to lower your footprint in this way? Are you going to try and take some of these actions in your daily life?
Student Footprints >
Carbon Footprint (SANDE)
As a student in a science class, I was surprised by how high the average carbon footprint for my area was. I believe that the reason why the carbon footprint was so high in my area is due to us relying on imports instead of growing food. For example, people who live off the land most likely have less of a carbon footprint because the food they eat is organic. Furthermore, it does not have to be flown or shipped in by plane or boat, which cuts the carbon released from transportation. I believe that students can inform their peers around them about the amount of extra carbon that is released because they are buying products that have to travel long distances to arrive in markets. In short, I believe that the footprint in my area was so high because it relies on imports, rather than growing food on its own. If my peers start growing more food, we can lower our carbon footprint and help the environment.