The Carbon Footprint
Most current energy needs are met through the burning of fossil fuels that produce CO2 in the process. The use of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum) is so ubiquitous we do not even think about it. The food we eat is farmed by tractors, harvested by combines, and then transported by trucks. Our electricity is generated predominately from burning coal or natural gas. In every facet of our lives, we utilize fossil fuels, or others do on our behalf, to produce the products we purchase. The “carbon footprint” (i.e., the amount of CO2 emitted in tons per year) for the average American is more than 20 tons! For this Research Paper, you will examine your daily routine and determine the CO2 that you generate as a result. The paper is due by the conclusion of Module 7, though you should be working on it now.
Answer PreviewCarbon footprint is the total impact of greenhouses gasses emitted to the environment directly or indirectly as a result of human activities usually expressed in carbon dioxide units. Carbon footprint is made up of two components; primary and secondary footprints (Matthews, Hendrickson & Weber, 2008). Carbon dioxide emissions as a result of the burning of fossil fuels…