Namesection 1 Ted Talk Summary: What You Learned
Namesection 1 Ted Talk Summarize What You Learned About The Posi
Section 1 Ted Talk Summarize What You Learned About The Posi
Name: Section #: 1. Ted Talk – Summarize what you learned about the positive steps that are being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Review each of the following websites and explain what you learned.
a. Breathing Earth: I learned that climate change plays a significant role in various aspects of life, including science and generation.
b. Carbon Trends
c. Climate Time Machine
d. The Changing Arctic
3. Go to the UW-Stout Energy Dashboard (use Internet Explorer browser):
a. Which campus building used the most energy today? Merle Price Commons
b. Which campus building used the least energy today? General Service Building
c. Which actions will you take to decrease your use of energy? I will use less heat.
Paper For Above instruction
The importance of addressing climate change has become increasingly evident, and significant efforts are underway worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper summarizes key insights from a TED Talk on positive steps to combat climate change, reviews information learned from various environmental websites, and reflects on personal actions to decrease energy consumption on a college campus.
Positive Steps to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The TED Talk highlights various initiatives and technologies that are contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. For instance, advancements in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power are replacing fossil fuels, which are primary sources of carbon emissions. These renewable energy projects not only decrease emissions but also promote sustainable development. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, with innovations like electric vehicles and improved insulation techniques reducing overall energy consumption.
Furthermore, policies and community actions play a crucial role. Governments worldwide are adopting stricter regulations on emissions, incentivizing renewable energy investments, and encouraging community-led sustainability programs. National and international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, exemplify the global effort to limit temperature rise and curb GHG emissions. The TED Talk underscores that collective action and technological innovation are critical in making meaningful progress towards climate stabilization.
Insights from Environmental Websites
My review of various environmental websites provided a broader understanding of climate change impacts and ongoing efforts. "Breathing Earth" demonstrated how carbon emissions and population growth are interconnected, illustrating the vast scale of global emissions and the importance of immediate action. The website also emphasized the importance of quality air and water in sustaining life.
"Carbon Trends" offered data on carbon emissions over time, highlighting trends and the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing emissions. It revealed fluctuations based on economic activity and government interventions, emphasizing the need for consistent and sustained efforts.
"Climate Time Machine" allowed visualization of historical climate data, illustrating how human activities since the Industrial Revolution have accelerated climate change. It stresses the urgency of reversing current trends through innovative solutions and policy changes.
"The Changing Arctic" depicted how climate change is disproportionately affecting polar regions, leading to melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and habitat loss. This site emphasized the delicate balance of ecosystems vulnerable to rapid environmental shifts and the global implications of Arctic melting, including rising sea levels and increased climate variability.
Personal Energy Conservation Actions on Campus
Using the UW-Stout Energy Dashboard, I identified Merle Price Commons as the campus building that used the most energy today, possibly due to its size and utility needs. The General Service Building used the least energy, likely due to its smaller use or operational hours. Recognizing the energy consumption patterns encourages personal responsibility in conserving resources.
To contribute to reducing energy use, I plan to take specific actions such as using less heat by adjusting my room temperature and turning off appliances when not in use. Simple steps like these can significantly reduce individual energy consumption and collectively help lessen the campus's carbon footprint. Promoting energy conservation awareness among peers can foster a culture of sustainability within the campus community.
In conclusion, combating climate change requires coordinated global, national, and community actions. Technological advancements and sustainable policies supported by individual efforts are essential. By understanding the impact of our energy consumption and adopting energy-saving habits, we can contribute meaningfully towards environmental preservation and a sustainable future.
References
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). Sixth Assessment Report. IPCC.
- NASA. (2023). Climate Change and Global Warming. NASA.gov. https://climate.nasa.gov/
- World Resources Institute. (2022). The State of Global Climate Action. WRI.org.
- Breathing Earth. (2023). What is Breathing Earth? BreathingEarth.net.
- Carbon Trends. (2023). Trends in Carbon Emissions. CarbonTrends.org.
- Climate Time Machine. (2022). Visualizing Climate Data over Time. ClimateTimeMachine.com.
- The Changing Arctic. (2023). Arctic Melting and Climate Change Impacts. ArcticChanging.org.
- University of Wisconsin-Stout. (2023). Energy Dashboard. UW-Stout.edu/energy.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). How to Reduce Greenhouse Gases. EPA.gov.
- United Nations. (2015). Paris Agreement. UN.org.