The document discusses carbon footprinting and climate change. It defines a carbon footprint as a measure of the greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organization, event, or product. It is important because rising CO2 levels are causing global warming. The document then provides an overview of Northeast Ohio's carbon footprint, how to calculate an individual carbon footprint, and lists 10 actions people can take to reduce their footprint, such as driving less, using energy efficient appliances, and eating a lower meat diet.

1. Carbon Footprinting
Brad Chase April 14, 2009
bchase@cmnh.org

2. Outline
• About GCBL & Climate Change Project
• What is a carbon footprint?
• Why is it important?
• Overview of Northeast Ohio’s carbon
footprint
• Calculating your carbon footprint
• Action. What you can do.
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3. 3

4. 4

5. What is a Carbon Footprint?
• Measure of the impact that you have on the
atmosphere and climate system in terms of the
amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) your actions
produce.
• Called a carbon footprint because GHGs are
commonly reported in terms of carbon dioxide
equivalents (CO2e).
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6. What is a Carbon Footprint?
• Emissions Inventory
– Direct emissions from activities (gasoline, electricity, natural gas
consumed)
• Carbon Footprint
– Includes direct and indirect emissions (all of your activities)
• Environmental / Ecological Footprint
– Includes impacts of activities on other environmental factors
(wildlife, water use, water quality, waste, etc.)
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
– Comprehensive look entire product process, cradle-to-grave.
Attempts to avoid unintended consequences.
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7. Why is it important?
• CO2 emissions growing rapidly.
• Scientific consensus that rising levels of CO2 cause
warming of planet, resulting in sea level rise and
changing climate conditions, affecting:
– Food supplies
– Infectious diseases
– Human habitats
• Potential for perceived localized benefits (e.g., warmer
winters) outweighed by loss of productive crop land
to drought and rising sea levels.
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8. Why is it important?
“The Economist says that this year alone, the oil-importing nations will transfer $2
trillion dollars to the oil exporting nations. That’s money that won’t go to improve
our infrastructure, won’t go to protect our environment, and won’t go to educating
our youth.” Rick Cole, in June 2008 “The Planning Report” interview.
Additional benefits of CO2 reductions are improved:
Quality of life
Air quality
Human health
Energy efficiency (and $ saved)
Economic development
Energy security
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9. Northeast Ohio Footprint
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12. Developed Land in Cuyahoga
County (1948)
Population:
1.4 million and Rising
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13. Developed Land in Cuyahoga
County (2002)
Population:
1.4 million and Declining
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14. Trend: Vehicle Miles Traveled and Vehicle
Registrations Increasing
U.S. Population and Vehicle Miles
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/03/AR2008050301079.html
Traveled, 1982-2006
Source: Washington Post, May 4, 2008,
Source: Bailey, et.al, “The Broader Connection between Public
Transportation, Energy Conservation and Greenhouse Gas Reduction,”
February 2008,
www.apta.com/research/info/online/documents/land_use.pdf
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15. Perspective
The U.S. emits as much CO2 as Brazil, U.K., India, Russia, Canada, and South
Korea combined – and 20% of the world’s total CO2 emissions.
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16. Perspective
Per capita CO2 emissions
What is your footprint? change)
(2003, tons - excludes land use
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Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT) Version 5.0. (Washington DC: World Resources Institute, 2008)
*MIT Tech Talk. Volume 52, Number 23, Wednesday April 16, 2008.
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17. Calculating your carbon footprint
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25. 25

26. Climate Footprint of the typical US Household (50 tCO2e)
http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu
56% Indirect
public trans. 44% Direct
airlines
Auto services
50
Auto
manufacturing 45
40
other fuels
natural gas 35
electricity
Gasoline 30
water & sewage
Financing 25
public trans.
Construction 20
Air travel
Other fuels 15
10
Natural
gas cereals 5
Alcohol & tobacco
Dairy 0
Gasoline Total
Snack food
Fruit & veg.
Electricity furniture.
cleaning supplies.
Eating out entertainment.
Household equip.
education
Meat Clothing giving
healthcare
Transportation Housing Food Goods Services 26

27. Globally, we need to reach:
2 tons CO /yr
2
5
Transportation Housing Food Goods Services
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28. Action. What you can do.
• 1. Calculate your Carbon Footprint
Find out how to calculate your carbon footprint. Understanding your carbon emissions is the first
step to taking action to reduce your carbon footprint.
• 2. Change a Light Bulb (or two)
Electricity consumption is one of the largest components of a household's carbon footprint.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent
bulbs and can last 10 times as long.
• 3. Drive Less
In the United States, a personal motor vehicle is the largest contributor to a typical household's
carbon footprint. Combining trips, carpooling, using public transportation, walking and biking all
help reduce your carbon footprint. Keep up with scheduled maintenance and properly inflate tires
to make your existing vehicle as efficient as possible when you do drive. The next time you
replace your vehicle, consider purchasing the most fuel-efficient model that meets your needs.
• 4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycling materials requires less energy and fewer raw materials than creating a new product
from scratch. Take reusable cloth bags to the store, don't accept paper and plastic bags when you
really don't need them, and choose products that don't have excessive packaging.
• 5. Use Less Water
Pumping and heating water require large amounts of energy. Take shorter showers, install a low-
flow shower head, turn the water off while you shave or brush your teeth, and wash clothes in cold
water.
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29. Action. What you can do.
• 6. Plant a Tree
Deforestation accounts for up to 20 percent of the carbon dioxide released each year worldwide.
Growing trees sequester carbon, and trees also help cool cities and reduce power consumption
for air conditioning.
• 7. Eat Lower on the Food Chain
Adopt a diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and minimizes meat, seafood
and processed foods. Meat is a particular energy hog. Producing one pound of beef generates 36
pounds of carbon dioxide.
• 8. Buy Efficient Appliances
Replacing older appliances with Energy Star appliances can significantly reduce your electricity
bill and your carbon footprint. Start with the refrigerator, which uses the most electricity in an
average home.
• 9. Adjust your Thermostat
Set your thermostat two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in winter to save
thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Change your furnace filter regularly and seal gaps
around windows and doors to allow your heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently.
Note: These are estimates. Individual savings will vary based on many factors.
• 10. Spread the Word
Tell a friend about what you are doing to make a difference.
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30. Carbon “budget” Roundtrip to
Los Angeles
Roundtrip to
Hong Kong
Roundtrip to
Average Ohioan in 2003 London
24.1 tons
15,000 miles
in a Prius
15,000 miles
in a Civic
30% per capita
reduction by 2030
15,000 miles in a
Hummer
80%
reduction
by 2050
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31. Action. What you can do.
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32. Source: http://media.learningfundamentals.com.au/combating-global-
warming-map.jpg
Action. What you can do.
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33. www.gcbl.org
www.clevelandcarbonfund.org
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