Grassroots Action: What Can You Do Today?

Scientists have identified 350 ppm (parts per million) as a safe upper limit for CO₂ in our atmosphere. But can we reduce carbon emissions soon enough? Will our political leaders have the will to make it happen? Is there anything an individual can do right now? Find out in this exploration!

How much CO₂(in pounds) do you think you could personally prevent from entering the atmosphere in a month?

Go to Carbon Rally, sign up and join the Global Challenge Award team.  Fight global warming by participating in one or more of the Carbon Rally challenges for a minimum of one month. Do as many as you can!  Then, complete the following:

1. What challenge(s) did you participate in?
2. Over what period of time did you participate in the Carbon Rally?
3. How much CO₂were you able to prevent from entering the atmosphere? 
4. On your Team Page, show how much CO₂ your team was able to prevent from entering the atmosphere?
5. Individually, choose one of the challenges that you completed and show how you calculated the quantity reported in Question 2 on your Team Page.  Peer review each other's calculations and work together to make any necessary corrections.  (Hint: The Carbon Rally website will also help you with this!) 
6. Do you think a site like Carbon Rally can make a significant difference in the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere?  Why or why not?  If possible, using information on this website and others, see if you can support your answer mathematically.

If You Need Help

If you have specific questions about this exploration, please contact your Mentor.