Controlling Carbon

Abstract

Despite international agreements like the Paris Accord, there’s been little progress in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases. Record levels of atmospheric CO₂ continue to be recorded at locations like Mauna Loa, Hawaii. With an average surface temperature increase of about 1 °C over the past 50 years, we are well on our way to reaching a 3 °C increase over the next century, at which point many scientists believe that the Earth will reach a “tipping point” followed by a catastrophic collapse of many ecosystems. While there are many reasons why the climate crisis is so intractable (e.g., huge numbers of sources of greenhouse gases; opposition to emission controls from some fossil fuel interests; anti-science views of climate deniers), it is imperative that we continue to take meaningful steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at all levels. In this unit you’ll evaluate three options for reducing CO₂ emissions at the state level: investing in residential energy efficiency, building solar photovoltaic (PV) farms. and reforesting available lands. Your chosen solution should aim for a 35% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.