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 >
Thoughts on My Carbon Footprint
Before taking the survey to find out my carbon footprint, I was asked whether I thought my footprint would be greater or less than that of the average American, and then compared to the average human. I knew that my footprint would be greater than the average human, and I assumed my footprint would be about the same as the average American. I already knew that my footprint would be too high - I definitely can work towards having a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. However, I was alarmed to find that my carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of the average Californian (which is 9,727 kgs). Since I can name many things I can do to lower my footprint, I can only imagine how much work there is left to do for the average Californian.
On the contrary, I was glad to find out that the majority of my footprint is due to the food category - not because this is something I'm proud of, of course, but because it is something I can change easily. I plan to go vegetarian, and if a sudden change is too difficult for my household, we will gradually change to this diet. In my experience, I have met many people, teenagers especially, who are completely conscious of the environmental crisis going on, most of which know that they can change their own lives to help fight it. However, a very small number of these people actually take initiative - I often feel as though I am part of this group. Fortunately, this feeling of being a bystander has actually helped, in that it has motivated me in the direction of actually taking initiative.
Another thing I can do to lower my footprint is get an electric vehicle rather than a gas-powered vehicle (when I am old enough to drive). While many think of electric cars as inaccessible and overpriced, the US Department of Energy states that on average, an eGallon costs $1.24 and a gallon of gas costs $2.64. Additionally, electric vehicles often need less repairs. These statistics show how not only are electric vehicles beneficial in fighting climate change, but they are also a way to save money.