When I finally reached the end of this carbon footprint calculation, I was shocked - in a good way! I understand that compared to other countries, America has trouble reducing their carbon emissions, and that means a higher average footprint is formed. However, my foot print was hardly above the U.S. standard.
My only downfall was in the 'transportation' category, in which I apparently produced a whopping 6,370 kg of CO2... 3,813 kg over the average for my country. This propelled me to contemplate the accuracy of this footprint, because the four flights i took this year were the first flights I had taken in five years. Therefore, if I had taken this survey any other year, I would most likely have a substantially lower footprint. On the other hand, it appears that a great amount of other American students were surprised by their 'transportation' results. So, I can accurately conclude that the United States makes a large, negative impact on the climate by traveling more than necessary. Unlike in Europe, where one could drive across two countries in less than five hours, i t would take me fourteen hours to drive from my home in northern California to Arizona! This makes plane travel seem like a much more preferable option.
To add my two cents to the whole climate change debate, I think that the human race is not to blame, but that does not mean that we are completely innocent either. When we look at the planet's climate history, it is apparent that there has been extreme dips and peaks in the past. That leads me to believe that at this time in the earth's life, there would probably be a warming period regardless of its inhabitants. As our technology advances, we emit increasing amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere where it is consequentially trapped by the infamous greenhouse effect.
A good point has recently been brought to my attention: the best solution to excess greenhouse gas is actually being threatened by humans. Remember the oxygen cycle we learned back in fifth grade? As it turns out, that scientific concept is a solid hint for how to help our perishing planet. Instead of diminishing forests, we should be planting trees! In many places, what used to be a wonderful, green, CO2-vaccuum has most likely been transformed into an apartment complex or shopping mall. Now I leave you all with one main message to sum up this evaluation of my carbon footprint and how it correlates with climate change: Think about how each little thing you do affects our lovely planet, and maybe consider changing your ways every once in a while. (I know I will!)