Prepare a report that models different global policy approaches to climate change and recommendations for keeping climate change in check, and then create an infographic or a presentation for targeted audiences.
Follow these steps to complete Part 1:
• Step 1: Examine the factors that influence the feasibility of proposed solutions to reducing your carbon footprint.
o What are suggested actions you can take to reduce your carbon footprint based on your results?
o Does the cost of going green limit your ability to reduce your carbon footprint?
• Step 2: Compare and contrast existing solutions, conclusions, or approaches to reducing your carbon footprint.
o Locate the “free” options and see how simple changes can reduce your carbon footprint.
o Locate the “$” options and see how these approaches can reduce your carbon footprint.
o Compare the “free” and “$” options. Which do you see as most beneficial and why? Are any of the “$” options feasible?
• Step 3: Examine the factors that influence the feasibility of proposed scenarios for reducing global climate change.
o We can start saving the energy from our home itself, and later can implement these things on a much wider scale at the society level, then at the city level, then district level, and finally at the country level and global level. Consider how your individual changes can impact global climate change efforts.
• Step 4: Summarize the most effective solution to global climate change.
o Use the resources provided in the course text, websites, and/or articles to help summarize the most effective solutions.
Follow these steps to complete Part 2:
• Step 5: Highlights key results from your modeling of different global policy approaches to climate change.
o Discuss key global policy approaches and provide insights on how they are critical to reducing global climate change.
o Identify global policies in place that you believe are most beneficial to global climate change reduction.
• Step 6: Describe ways to address climate change issues and environmental issues at the individual level.
o Use your analysis earlier where you constructed a proposed solution to reduce carbon footprint and affect global climate change. What individual changes can you make that can address climate change and environmental issues?
o Provide reasons to persuade your readers that your proposed solution will achieve the desired environmental change.
o Describe 3–5 strategies to address climate change and environmental issues at the global level. For example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, relying on clean energy technologies, or replacing petroleum and diesel vehicles with electric and hydrogen fuel vehicles.
You will have two deliverables for this assessment:
• The completed Carbon Footprint and Climate Change Assessment Template [DOCX].
• The infographic or PowerPoint presentation.
Part 1: Individual Actions
Step 1: Assessing Feasibility
Several factors influence the feasibility of reducing your carbon footprint, including:
Lifestyle: Your current lifestyle, including transportation, housing, and consumption habits, will determine the ease or difficulty of making changes.
Financial Resources: The cost of implementing sustainable practices can vary widely.
Geographic Location: Your location may limit your options for renewable energy or sustainable transportation.
Part 1: Individual Actions
Step 1: Assessing Feasibility
Several factors influence the feasibility of reducing your carbon footprint, including:
Lifestyle: Your current lifestyle, including transportation, housing, and consumption habits, will determine the ease or difficulty of making changes.
Financial Resources: The cost of implementing sustainable practices can vary widely.
Geographic Location: Your location may limit your options for renewable energy or sustainable transportation.
Suggested Actions:
Transportation: Consider walking, biking, or using public transportation more often. If possible, switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Energy Consumption: Reduce energy consumption by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when not in use, and insulating your home.
Waste Reduction: Reduce waste by recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics.
Diet: Choose a plant-based diet, as meat production has a significant carbon footprint.
Support Sustainable Businesses: Choose products and services from companies that prioritize sustainability.
Cost Considerations:
While some sustainable practices may require upfront costs, such as purchasing energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels, the long-term savings can outweigh the initial investment.Additionally, many government incentives and rebates are available to encourage sustainable practices.
Step 2: Comparing Solutions
Free Options:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Walk, Bike, or Take Public Transportation: These options are not only free but also beneficial for your health and the environment.
Conserve Energy:Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and adjust your thermostat to reduce energy consumption.
“$” Options:
Invest in Renewable Energy:Installing solar panels or wind turbines can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Upgrade Appliances: Replace older, less efficient appliances with energy-efficient models.
Insulate Your Home: Improve your home’s insulation to reduce energy consumption.
Most Beneficial Options:
The most beneficial options will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. However, reducing energy consumption and transportation emissions are generally considered to have the greatest impact on reducing your carbon footprint.
Step 3: Global Impact
While individual actions can make a difference, addressing climate change requires collective action at a global level. By making changes in your own life, you can contribute to a broader movement towards sustainability and inspire others to follow suit.
Step 4: Most Effective Solution
The most effective solution to global climate change is a combination of individual, societal, and governmental actions. This includes:
Transitioning to Renewable Energy: Increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implementing policies to reduce emissions from transportation, industry, and agriculture.
International Cooperation: Developing international agreements and partnerships to address climate change on a global scale.
Part 2: Global Policy Approaches
Key Global Policy Approaches:
Carbon Pricing:Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, can incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon emissions.
Renewable Energy Subsidies: Providing subsidies and incentives for the development and adoption of renewable energy technologies.
Energy Efficiency Standards: Setting energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, and vehicles.
International Cooperation: Developing international agreements and partnerships to address climate change on a global scale.
Most Beneficial Policies:
The Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, is considered one of the most significant international agreements on climate change. It sets a global goal and provides a framework for countries to develop their own climate action plans.
Individual Actions:
In addition to the individual actions mentioned in Part 1, individuals can also:
Support Climate-Friendly Policies: Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and environmental protection.
Educate Others: Raise awareness about climate change and encourage others to take action.
Engage in Political Action: Vote for candidates who prioritize climate action and participate in grassroots campaigns.
Global Strategies:
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Implement policies to reduce emissions from transportation, energy production, and industrial processes.
Transition to Renewable Energy: Invest in renewable energy technologies and phase out fossil fuels.
Protect Forests: Conserve forests, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.
Invest in Climate Adaptation: Prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
By taking action at both the individual and global levels, we can work towards a sustainable future and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
