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Carbon Footprints
This category is for questions about the amount of greenhouse gases produced by various entities.
463 Questions
What is the difference between carrying capacity and ecological footprint?
The ecological footprint is the other side of the coin of carrying capacity.
The carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals which can be sustained by an ecological system (= ecosystem). For example, if you have a pond, and the pond is one hectare large and 1 metre deep, perhaps the carrying capacity of the pond is 1000 fishes (a purely hypothetical example). Unless the food source for these fishes is increased from the outside (e.g., dumping extra food into the pond), no more than 1000 fishes can sustainably live in this pond. If you put another 1000 fishes into the pond, they would die of hunger.
If we extrapolate this to the Earth, there must be an upper carrying capacity for human beings on this planet. Given our improving technology, this carrying capacity can be increased to some extent, but logic dictates that carrying capacity cannot be increased indefinitely (actually, nothing can increase indefinitely, which is why continuing economic growth is suicidal www.impossiblehamster.org)
So if we accept that there is some kind of threshold for the carrying capacity of the planet Earth, then we must also accept that increasing humanity's ecological footprint (defined as the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the resources and to absorb the resulting wastes that support that person's standard of living, using prevailing technology and management practices -- see www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/footprint_basics_overview) means that we are getting closer and closer (and perhaps are already beyond) the carrying capacity of the Earth.
Therefore, as humanity's ecological footprint increases, we are reaching (or perhaps even overshooting) the Earth's carrying capacity, which could very well prove to be very detrimental to human well-being (especially the poorest people at the bottom of the food chain) and the long-term sustainability of human societies as we know them right now.
In essence, today's socio-economic systems were designed during the 19th century when there were only 1 billion people (small ecological footprint) and resources seemed limitless (carrying capacity still very far away). Nowadays, we are heading towards 10 billion people within one generation and resources (especially biological resources) are being used up and destroyed forever at an unprecedented rate (large and rapidly increasing ecological footprint). When circumstances change, systems must adapt or collapse.
Therefore, we must stop economic growth (steadystate.org) and re-design our entire socio-economic systems to deal with the new 21th century realities of a planet which is "hot, flat, and crowded" (www.thomaslfriedman.com/bookshelf/hot-flat-and-crowded). Ignoring the reality of the existing carrying capacity of the planet is inherently illogical and patently stupid.
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Are natural gas ovens better for the environment?
Better than what? Costs of extraction make NatGas a poor environmental choice, if for no other reason than extraction leakage--about 3%. NatGas is mostly methane, some 25 times more potent a greenhouse gas than CO2.
Reflector ovens are the only sustainable way to go.
Does reducing the size of your footprint necessarily mean reducing your quality of life?
No, we can still have a quality of life but by reducing your footprint will better your life.
How can human activities affect the future?
Human activities significantly impact the future by altering the environment, driving climate change, and depleting natural resources. Actions such as deforestation, industrial pollution, and excessive carbon emissions contribute to global warming and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, unsustainable practices can lead to resource scarcity, affecting food security and water availability. Ultimately, our choices today will shape the ecological, social, and economic landscape for generations to come.
How long digitall footprint last?
A digital footprint can last indefinitely, as online content is often archived or stored by various platforms and services. Even if you delete posts or accounts, data can remain accessible through caches, backups, or third-party sites. Additionally, information shared on social media or websites may be copied and redistributed, further extending its life. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of what you share online.
What is a sentence using carbon footprint?
If Bigfoot were made of coal, he would have a massive carbon footprint.
Do vegans have a larger carbon footprint than vegetarians?
Vegans have the lowest carbon footprint. Their consumption of resources is equal to 1/6 of an acre of land as opposed to lacto-ovo vegetarians who consume about 1/3 and omnivores about 3 acres.
What is action of running water?
The action of running water is actually quite similar to the action of any running liquid. It moves from one location down to another location.
Is a carbon footprint good for you?
No, a carbon footprint (the amount of carbon emissions we are responsible for) is not good for you, or the earth. Unfortunately, just about everyone has a carbon footprint, some much bigger than others. We should try to make our personal one as small as possible. While we wait for governments to act we can do our own bit to slow climate change.
This video about climate change explains the concept of carbon footprint.
How are bags for life sustainable?
Bags for life are considered sustainable because they are designed for multiple uses, reducing the need for single-use plastic bags. Typically made from durable materials, they can withstand repeated use, which minimizes waste and environmental impact. Additionally, their production often emphasizes eco-friendly practices, and many bags for life can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, further contributing to sustainability efforts. By encouraging consumers to use reusable options, they help shift behaviors towards more environmentally responsible choices.
What is a primary footprint for kids?
A primary footprint for kids refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions directly associated with their daily activities, such as energy use in homes, transportation, and waste generation. It helps children understand the environmental impact of their choices and actions. By learning about their primary footprint, kids can explore ways to reduce their carbon emissions, such as using less energy, recycling, and choosing sustainable transportation options. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages eco-friendly habits from a young age.
How do you write a rebuttal paragraph?
To write a rebuttal paragraph, first clearly state the opposing argument you wish to counter. Then, provide evidence or reasoning that challenges this viewpoint, highlighting any flaws or gaps in the opposing argument. Conclude by reinforcing your original position, demonstrating why your argument remains stronger despite the counterpoint. Ensure that your rebuttal is respectful and well-structured to maintain credibility.
Why would burning wood instead of coal help to reduce our carbon footprint?
Burning wood instead of coal can help reduce our carbon footprint because wood is a renewable resource that can be sustainably managed, whereas coal is a fossil fuel that releases significantly more carbon dioxide when burned. Additionally, when wood is sourced from responsibly harvested forests, it can contribute to a closed carbon cycle, as the carbon released during combustion is reabsorbed by growing trees. This makes wood a potentially lower-carbon energy source compared to coal, which contributes to long-term atmospheric carbon accumulation.
Are canvas bags good for the environment?
yes
canvas bags are great for the environment! You can reuse them so they are only made once, but used millions more times! most of them are big and strong to carry all your shopping according to statistics, it is estimated that we use 500 billion plastic bags per year. that's 5million million! so everybody use canvas bags!!!!
Green Goddess
It is estimated that by using just 1 canvas bag, you will eliminate the need for 1000 plastic bags!
When a body is in unstable equilibrium, on slight displacement the centre of gravity of the body will be lowered. If the line of action of its weight lies outside the base area of the body, it will topple.
Objects that have high centres of gravity, a small base area, or are top-heavy are more likely to be in unstable equilibrium. Stability can be increased by lowering the centre of gravity and/or increasing the area and/or the weight of the base.
