Are You Kyoto Compliant?

Take the following quiz and see if you meet international standards for fighting global warming.

Although the US government has opted out of the international Kyoto Protocol for reducing harmful emissions, we Americans are still free to live up to the protocol individually, even if it doesn’t benefit President Bush’s oil cronies. That’s why we at the Free Press invite you to take the following quiz to see where you currently stand (approximately) in terms of harmful carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions:

1. Roughly one pound of CO₂ is emitted for each mile traveled in an average car or motor boat. Determine the approximate number of miles you travel in a year in such vehicles, and that equals the number of pounds of CO₂ emitted. If you often ride in an SUV, taxi, or limo, adjust the number upward; if you carpool often, adjust the number downward so it reflects the per-person usage.

Write the result here: ________

2. Roughly one pound of CO₂ per person is also emitted for every mile of travel you take in a commercial airliner. Determine how many average air miles you travel in a year.

Write the result here: ________

3. Roughly a half a pound of CO₂ per person is emitted for each mile traveled on mass transit. Estimate the number of miles you travel on transit, and divide by two.

Write the result here: ________

4. About 1.5 pounds of CO₂ is produced for each kilowatt-hour of electricity you use. Take a look at the kwh consumptions listed on your August and February electric bills, average them, then multiply by your number of total bills per year to find your approximate year’s consumption. Divide by the number of people in your household, then multiply by 1.5. (Note: if your electricity is completely supplied by hydropower, then you are lucky: no carbon emissions!)

Write the result here: ________

5. Each therm of natural gas you use produces about 11 pounds of CO₂. Figure out your bills in the same way as item 4 above.

Write the result here: ________

6. Heating oil produces 22 pounds of CO₂ per gallon, and propane or bottled gas about 13 pounds per gallon. Determine your number of annual gallons, and multiply by the right number.

Write the result here: ________

Now add up all the results. If you scored below 11,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions, you are Kyoto compliant for now, but the Kyoto Protocol calls on all people to reach an annual emissions level of less than about 4,720 pounds/year in the coming years, in order to help avoid serious levels of global warming.

If you are like most Americans, your car usage alone has put you at or near the current limit. And one air trip to Europe or Japan also probably blows your whole limit. Living in harmony with nature is not as easy as we were thinking, but it is a direly important goal. Here are some ways you can bring your emissions down:

• Choose a place to live where you can drive less.

• Choose a fuel-efficient car.

• Walk, bike or use public transport.

• Reduce your travel distances or frequency.

• Choose a smaller home or apartment.

• Insulate your home and use efficient appliances.

• Adjust your thermostat to save energy.

• Buy organic produce.

Also see the Global Warming pledge on page 3 for further ideas.