foot prints
TRANSCRIPT
Abigail LeGore
What is a carbon footprint?
• The amount of carbon dioxide that enters the atmosphere because of the electricity and fuel you use
• Measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide
• Tonne- (metric ton) a unit of weight equivalent to 1000 kg
• Everyone in this room has a carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint depends on:
• How much energy you use to heat your home
• The electronics and appliances you use• What kind of transport you use day-to-
day• How often you fly
What do you mean by Carbon?
• When people talk about carbon emissions and carbon footprints, they usually mean carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• Carbon dioxide is released when we burn carbon-based fuels. Almost all fuels are carbon-based, including:
• petroleum and diesel in our cars• gas, oil and coal in our homes and power
stations• jet fuel in airplanes
What do you mean Carbon?
• Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas - it traps the sun's heat and keeps the earth warm.
• Too much CO2 in the air leads to global warming
• Other greenhouse gases, such as methane, also contribute to climate change
• For individuals the most important carbon emission is carbon dioxide
How can you measure your carbon footprint?
• http://carboncalculator.direct.gov.uk/index.html
How to reduce your Carbon Footprint
• Insulating your home• Buying energy-efficient appliances• Switching off electronics at the wall• Walking, cycling or using public
transportation• Vacationing closer to home• Recycling waste