Quiz: Calculate your energy use
The United States generates about a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion, with 5.8 billion metric tons in 2003. A typical household of two people generates about 60,000 pounds each year from household activities and personal transportation. Answer these questions about electricity use, home heating, waste disposal and transportation to see how you compare with other CNN.com users, and with the national average at the end. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
So, you’ve succumbed to the hype, and you’re concerned that global warming means that by the middle of this century Kansas City will be selling beachfront property. Except it’s really not hype at all. Even a cursory glance at the science and the reality all around us should give a reasonable personable an indication that we’re changing our world…and not for the better.
With all of the rhetorical mortars being lobbed by both sides in this debate, it’s difficult to really get a grip on just how “green” you are. Sure, you may recycle and do all the other obvious things, but are you really making a difference? Or are you still a major part of the problem. Sadly, our results are not pretty: Oh dear! You’re creating more than the typical amount of carbon dioxide emissions for a two-person household in the United States. Then again, no one’s ever going to confuse me with Al Gore, are they??
