Hi!

The series on environmental problems is not over yet. After all, we have loads of the stuff, and I try to cover as much as possible. I have ranted a bit about climate and the climate debate, but let’s bring it down to a more personal level. After all, CO2 and the other pollutants are difficult to visualize.

I red an interesting article yesterday on SolveClimate.com. It was about visualization of the carbon dioxide footprint. When I was working with carbon emissions, I usually gave results in metrics. “You have released so and so many kilograms of carbon dioxide, and must save so and so much.”  Not the best way of presenting the issue. The way Commute Greener! does it is better, showing progress and giving some examples of what the CO2 savings really amounts to. But the concept of a “carbon dioxide blanket” or a carbon dioxide balloon is just wonderfully illustrative! And it is important, as most western countries have huge CO2 footprints.

So what is the different countries carbon dioxide footprints? Well, lets just say that the west have big feet… at least if you look at the footprint. USA have a staggering 20 tonnes/person/year, most European countries have about 10. Countries that work hard on energy efficiency and transportation efficiency have much lower per capita values, for example about 5-6 for France and Sweden (yep, I had to bring Sweden up as the good guys).

But what does this mean? USA will have to do a lot of CO2 savings to cut their emissions. Industry and transportation are big contributors, even though they are getting better with better technology. And USA is a huge trade nation, selling anything from grain to electronics and cars, so focusing on cutting emissions from transportation may be very important. But better, safe and affordable public transportation is needed, as well as safe bicycle lanes. An overall change of attitude is needed and possible, as shown in California and many other states.

Europe and the rest of the world need to do the same. We travel way to much, eat way to much imported food, have inefficient transportation and in rural areas a car is needed. The difference is that EU can move somewhat fast (in governmental terms, ie. there is a bit less political bickering) compared to other countries as the global warming problem is widely accepted by all politicians. Most leaders are very interested in the environment and some fight very passionate for quick changes based on science.

But enough politics. We all saw how it went at COP 15. We all have to pitch in after all. Changing commuting habits is one important part, at least in my opinion. So many could probably use sustainable transportation instead of driving to work. But that is not enough of course, even if it is a huge step in the right direction. Low energy lamps, or even LED save  money on the energy bill as well as save resources. Yes, low energy lamps contain mercury, which is an environmental toxin, but so does strip lights that we use both at home and in the office. Handle them with care and that isn’t a problem.  Try to buy near produced food, at least from the same country you live in. We are all sick of these kind of advise but the small efforts adds up and make it easier to get used to the change. We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon dioxide footprints.

That’s it for today. As always, follow us on facebook and twitter.

I’ll end with a question today. Are there any topics you would like me to write about? Or feedback on Commute Greener! Feel free to drop a line here, on facebook or email us your opinions. You opinions are important to us!

I’m off

Fredrik