United States Air Pollution Levels (1990 – 2007) Source: “National Air Quality, Status and...

United States Air Pollution Levels (1990 – 2007)

Source: “National Air Quality, Status and Trends through 2007,” U.S. EPA, 2008.

United States Air Pollution Levels (1980 – 2007)

Source: “National Air Quality, Status and Trends through 2007,” U.S. EPA, 2008.

United States Surface Water Quality

Source: “National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress,” U.S. EPA, 2007.

United States Coastal Water Status

Source: “National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress,” U.S. EPA, 2007.

Source: Global Environmental Outlook 4, United Nations Environment Programme, 2007.

Global Air Pollution

Global Fisheries Status


Global Ecosystems Status



Ozone Depletion

Greenhouse Effect

The Relationship between CO2 Concentrations and Average Global Temperature

Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Historical Carbon Emissions

Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC)

Projected Carbon Emissions

Source: “International Energy Outlook,” U.S. Department of Energy, 2007.

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2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

1990 2000 2010 2020

Year

An

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al

To

ns

Pe

r C

ap

ita

IndustrializedCountries

East Europeand Russia

DevelopingCountries

Projected Carbon Emissions

Source: “International Energy Outlook,” U.S. Department of Energy, 2007.

Climate Stabilization Paths

Source: “Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change,” HM Treasury, 2006.

Temperature Effects of Different Stabilization Paths


Note: Difference between current temperature and the last ice age is about 5°C. Under a “Business as Usual” scenario there is a 50% chance of an eventual temperature change exceeding 5°C.

Effects of Different Temperature Increases



Time Scale of Impacts on Sea Level Rise

Some Good News

Source: “Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions” How Much At What Cost?” Creyts, et al., McKinsey & Company, December 2007.

According to global data, humanity is currently overshooting the ecological capacity of the Earth by about 40%.


Ecological Footprints

Note: The implicit one-year financial rate of return on a CF bulb is 300%!

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Typical Household Carbon Budget

Average for a household in the U.S. is about 60 tons, only 25 tons is direct.

Heating/Cooling (11%)

Hot Water (3%)

Lighting/Appliances (6%)

Driving (20%)

Flying (2%)

Indirect Consumption (57%)

Carbon Emissions from Vehicles

Vehicle Tons of Carbon per Year

Toyota Prius 2.10

Honda Civic 2.95

Subaru Outback 4.85

Chevy Silverado 7.00

Toyota Land Cruiser 10.10

Based on 12,000 miles per year.

Carbon Emissions from Flying

Flight Tons of Carbon

800 miles round trip 0.35

2,500 miles round trip 1.00

5,000 miles round trip 1.95

Assume a household of two takes one cross-country trip and one trip to Europe per year. Total

carbon emissions equal about 12 tons.

Priorities for Personal Action1. Choose a place to live that reduces the need to drive.

2. Think twice before purchasing another car.

3. Choose a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car.

4. Set concrete goals for reducing your travel.

5. Whenever practical, walk, bike, or take public transportation.

6. East less meat.

7. Buy certified organic produce.

8. Choose your home carefully.

9. Reduce the environmental costs of heating and hot water.

10.Install efficient lighting and appliances.

11.Choose an electricity supplier offering renewable energy.

Avoid These High-Impact Activities

1. Powerboats

2. Pesticides and fertilizers

3. Gasoline-powered yard equipment

4. Fireplaces and wood stoves

5. Recreational off-road driving

6. Hazardous cleaners and paints

7. Products made from endangered or threatened species

Seven Rules for Responsible Consumption

1. Give special attention to major purchases (e.g., refrigerators, pools, snowmobiles)

2. Become a weight watcher

3. Analyze your consumption quantitatively (e.g., track water use)

4. Don’t worry or feel guilty about unimportant decisions (e.g., paper vs. plastic, paper plates, clothes fabrics)

5. Look for opportunities to be a leader (e.g., buy a hybrid, start a carpool, organize)

6. Buy more of those things that help the environment (e.g., microwaves, recycled products, low-flow faucets)

7. Think about non-environmental reasons for reducing consumption

United States Air Pollution Levels (1990 – 2007) Source: “National Air Quality, Status and...

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