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According to the International Energy Agency, 2009 saw the largest drop in CO2 emissions in the last 40 years. Worldwide, it's expected by that the end of the year, carbon emissions will have dropped by approximately 2.6%. Emissions from the U.S. are expected to drop by 6%, due in large part to the reduction of factory emissions during our economic recession.
While the recession is not exactly cause for celebration, the effect it is having on our atmosphere is. But we've seen what happens once a recession ends; back in 1981, we saw a carbon emission reduction of 1.3% during the recession. When it was over, emissions not only returned to their previous levels, but surpassed them.
Let's not waste this opportunity to improve upon the reduction we've seen this year. The Obama administration seems to be determined to keep its promise regarding greenhouse gas emissions. It announced this morning that the E.P.A. would now be regulating GHG emissions from the largest polluters, mainly factories. While this is a step in the right direction, there's so much more we can do, both as a country and as individuals.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
1. Encourage your lawmakers to support the Kerry-Boxer Climate Bill. Write, call, email, and then do it again. And then encourage everyone you know to do it, too.
2. Shop local, in every way. Food, clothing, and other products produced in your area are better for both the environment and your local economy.
3. Learn what your carbon footprint is. Then look for ways to reduce it.
4. Start eating less meat. Go vegetarian or weekday vegetarian, if possible. Each household in America generates 8.1 metric tons per year of food-related greenhouse gases, mostly due to our meat-eating ways.
5. Grow your own food, organically.
6. Drive less. Start walking and biking more often. Carpool and use public transportation as often as possible.
7. Fly less. If you have to fly, try taking direct flights and traveling light.
8. Make your home more energy efficient. Here are some simple, useful project ideas.
9. Encourage your school or business to go green.
10. Walk your talk. If this is important to you, as it should be to everyone, live your values. Others will see it, and some will follow your example.
More About Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:
350: The Number That Will Save the Planet
Twelve Steps to Low Carbon Living
Eating a Low-Carbon Diet
Skipping One Cross-Country Flight = Going Vegetarian for One Year
Study Finds Meat and Dairy Create More Emissions than Miles
