Carbon footprint calculators set to estimate the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by human beings, and by the activities which they directly associate themselves with. Calculation of the definite amount of greenhouse gas emitted by humans plus their activities is not possible, partly due to the large amounts of data that would be required to do that, and due also to the fact that, there are several natural processes which contribute to the emission of greenhouse gas. Therefore, using a carbon footprint calculator, we can only estimate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere while at the same time considering the contribution towards the same, of other natural occurrences within our environment. Using three different online carbon footprint calculators to measure the amount of carbon I emit annually, I am going to analyze whether or not my carbon footprint is acceptable relative to the world’s average emissions and to the sustainable level required.
The three different calculators that estimate carbon emission, the Carbon Account UK, US EPA, and carbon footprint calculator-developed by the RAD site-, all have similar inputs. They all ask for detailed consumption information, ranging from household to personal consumption of fuel. The questions posed touch on the kind of food one eats, home size, means of transport used and the usage of fuel resources. The questions also require detail on the kind of heating appliances and how are used at home. Refrigerators, washing and drying machines amongst other powered appliances are also used within the home setup. These calculation systems also suggest corrective measure to excessive carbon emissions. Another similarity is that all the calculation systems do not provide concrete information on what formula, estimates, and assumptions are applied in their calculations.
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Despite the websites having similar inputs or rather asking almost similar questions, the calculators generate varying, divergent results. It is difficult to verify or validate the causes of these differences due to the little information provided on the method or formula used in the calculation of the levels of carbon dioxide emitted. From the Carbon Account UK, my total carbon dioxide emission was 6.71 tons against a world average of 4 tons, a UK average of 13.4 tons, a US average of 20 tons and a sustainable level of 1.5 tons. Under the US EPA, I had a total usage of 3609 against a US average of 6147. From this assessment, we can see how the results vary. In general, there is no standardization inherent to the calculation systems. They lack consistency. One particular area where this inconsistency is quite prominent, is in their consumption of electricity.
Basing on the results from my online carbon footprint calculations, my carbon footprints are quite high and as such, are not acceptable. However, they are close to world averages. Most of my activities, such as the use of natural gas for cooking, add a considerable amount of carbon dioxide amongst other greenhouse gases, effecting high global temperatures and climate change. Poor disposal of plastic waste and keeping of large herds of animals-especially cows-, also contribute a substantial amounts of methane gas, a greenhouse gas, to the environment. My use of firewood during the cold season, contributes to the destruction of trees, which are an important curator of the air. All these activities increase the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, destroying the ozone layer. Consequently, this marks an increase of global temperatures, resulting in a change of weather and climatic patterns. Summers are becoming increasingly hotter, winters colder, droughts more severe and floods really devastating, due to the actions of men like me.
Some of the ways through which I might help correct the situation, includes the planting of more trees, at least eight per year, to help absorb the excess carbon emitted. Another strategy would be to reduce my level of fuel consumption by around 38 gallons of gas. This can be achieved by using either clean power sources or through the use of a bicycle to travel short distances. Electricity use can be lowered by tapping and using solar energy for cooking and for driving light appliances at home. Also, electricity can be saved by the use of thermostats for refrigerators and for heating appliances. Energy saving bulb use could also be adopted. All these will minimize dependency on electricity and subsequently will release pressure on some of the resources used to generate it. The last strategy which can help reduce my carbon footprint, is a recycling of waste.
Natural processes also play a big role in the carbon cycle and in climate change. Dung from cows contributes a huge amount of methane gas to the environment. Methane is a greenhouse gas, which affects the ozone layer and causes negative effects on weather and climate patterns. Trees alongside other green vegetation plus the oceans, on the other hand, play a crucial role in absorbing most of the carbon dioxide emitted into the air, causing a cyclic effect. On its own, nature can maintain the carbon cycle, but human activities tip the scale by emitting more carbon that can be handled by nature. As such, the world’s current attention toward individual contribution of greenhouse gas is highly welcomed since it will provide pointers on how to rectify or reduce production of the greenhouse gas. However, universal standards and measures should put in place to make the different carbon footprint calculators consistent with one another.
