“Environmential Topics”
Carbon Footprint
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment and climate change. Although carbon is good for the environment because it makes our planet warm and livable. However, we have too much carbon in the atmosphere, which is causing our planet to become too warm causing “global warming.” The carbon footprint is a measurement of greenhouse gases and is made up of two parts:
The primary footprint is the measure of direct emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels, for instance: domestic energy consumption from transportation (cars, buses, and planes). The secondary footprint is the measure of indirect CO2 emissions for example, household products we use.
I decided to take a free online test just to test my lifestyle and the impact of my carbon footprint. My results were extremely poor as indicated by a score of 22. I decided to reduce my carbon footprint to do my part in protecting our environment. I made some lifestyle changes by recycling aluminum cans and paper, reduced my use of materials, and reduced my use of energy. These are a few changes I made to make a difference. After, I made these changes my carbon footprint was reduced to 54. Reducing our carbon footprints will:
1) Reduce air pollution
2) Save animals
3) Improve Water Quality
4) Soil Erosion
5) Create jobs
6) Save Money
We can all make a difference in protecting the earth and saving our environment for future generations to enjoy.
Low Carbon Fuel Standard
California has become a leader in clean energy and environmental policy by establishing a Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) by Executive Order. This first in the world greenhouse gas (GHG) standard for transportation fuels will spark research in alternatives to oil and reduce GHG emissions.
The governor’s statewide goal is to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020, which is the target date and that a Low carbon Fuel Standard (“LCFS”) for transportation fuels be established for California.
The low carbon fuel standard will produce low emissions and will greatly lower vehicle smog. This new greenhouse gas will help protect our jobs by keeping workers in the U.S currently California uses 96% Petroleum based fuel for transportation. California’s transportation energy demand is rising due to population growth, economic activity and increasing vehicle miles traveled. At the same time, traditional supplies of conventional transportation fuels are uncertain. The public transit and failure to upgrade buses, train, car pollution has caused public alarm. Production of crude oil has declined by 60 percent over the last 10 years. California’s import of crude oil from Alaska, a dominant domestic source, has also fallen. Increasing competition fro crude oil intentionally and price limits California’s import options of unrefined and refined petroleum products.
Hopefully, by 2020 alternative fuel can reduce health problems like respiratory problems related to pollution caused by petroleum gases, suffering from breathing diseases as well as certain type of cancer can be reduced safeguarding Americans incomes while the air to become cleaner will strengthen the economy. Petroleum decency contributes to climate change and also leaves consumers vulnerable to price shocks form the unstable global energy market.
Preservation Deal
A long beach developer proposed a deal with the city to save 175 acres of wetlands near San Gabriel River. Fifty-two acres of city owned property would be traded for terrain located in the middle of the Los Cerritos Wetlands. Once the land is purchased, the city would sell the urban salt marsh to Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority for a total of $25 million dollars. The earnings would be used to develop 20 acres of property near the Los Angeles River for recreational use. The wetlands are vital for the lively hood of a diverse bird species that has made Los Cerritos its home. The wetlands assist with the migratory bird route known as “Pacific Flyway.” The cost of rejuvenating Studbaker Road (bordered by Pacific Coast Highway) and the Los Cerritos channel would cost millions of dollars. The project looks extremely grim to most but the potential will be a “real jewel.”
Coastal marshes have been in decline all along the east coast of the United States. Marshes were used as dumps, they have been over hunted, and many other neglected. Coastal marshes today are the most endangered ecosystems in North America. Coastal marshes are crucial as incubators for fish and invertebrates, and play a important role as habitat for migratory water life and land ecosystems. They are a critical factor in the providing a healthy coastal environment. It is imperative that remaining coastal marshes be protected, and to be preserved for the sake of the environment and for all people who share this planet.
