Unfortunately, Rat is essentially right. There really is only one thing one can (not) do that will have any significant impact over the long haul. The rest is feel-good window dressing. To wit:
Below are a few examples of how much carbon dioxide (in metric tons) is saved over a lifetime (80 years) by a typical American for certain actions, including not having one child.
Increase car’s fuel economy from 20 to 30 mpg: 148
Reduce miles driven from 231 to 155 per week: 147
Replace single-glazed windows with energy-efficient windows: 121
Replace ten 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 25-watt energy-efficient lights: 36
Replace old refrigerator with energy-efficient model: 19
Recycle newspapers, magazines, glass, plastic, aluminum and steel cans: 17
Reduce number of children by one (with emissions fixed at 2005 per-capita values): 9,441
Source: “Reproduction and the carbon legacies of individuals” by Paul A. Murtaugh and Michael G. Schlax
Unfortunately, Rat is essentially right. There really is only one thing one can (not) do that will have any significant impact over the long haul. The rest is feel-good window dressing. To wit:
Below are a few examples of how much carbon dioxide (in metric tons) is saved over a lifetime (80 years) by a typical American for certain actions, including not having one child.
Increase car’s fuel economy from 20 to 30 mpg: 148
Reduce miles driven from 231 to 155 per week: 147
Replace single-glazed windows with energy-efficient windows: 121
Replace ten 75-watt incandescent bulbs with 25-watt energy-efficient lights: 36
Replace old refrigerator with energy-efficient model: 19
Recycle newspapers, magazines, glass, plastic, aluminum and steel cans: 17
Reduce number of children by one (with emissions fixed at 2005 per-capita values): 9,441
Source: “Reproduction and the carbon legacies of individuals” by Paul A. Murtaugh and Michael G. Schlax