Energy and the Environment
Q: How does my energy use harm
the environment?
A: About 70% of the electrical energy produced in the United States comes
from the burning of fossil fuels, such as oil, gasand coal. This process
releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes
to global climate change.In addition, these power plants release air pollutants
and other toxic substances. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
says that electricity production is the largest industrial polluter in our
nation.
Q: Is global climate change real? Is it caused by human activity?
A: YES on both counts. In 2001, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change released a report showing that global warming and climate change are
happening and that they are tied to increased concentrations of greenhouse
gases. According to the report, human activities, such as electric power generation
and deforestation, are largely responsible. See the reports: http://www.ipcc.ch/
Q: I'm such a small piece of the puzzle. What difference can I make?
A: Because we've all contributed the problem of global climate change, we
all must work to curb it. Reducing our personal energy use is the first step.
Raising awareness among our friends and colleagues is the next step. The Campus Sustainability Pledge is a super opportunity for you to create a ground swell of awareness
and bring renewable energy on campus.
Q: What is Harvard doing to reduce its energy use and greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions?
A: President Faust commissioned a greenhouse gas task force, which came up with a proposal for reducing Harvard's ghg emissions. Although a plan is not yet in place, President Faust announced that Harvard will aim to reduce our emissions by 30% below 2006 levels by 2016. Read more here.
Want to learn more?
There are many great resources available on climate change and the environmental impacts of energy production and use. We have included a few useful websites below (please note that Harvard is not affiliated with the organizations, and the links are provided as informational resources only).
International Governmental Panel on Climate Change
We Can Solve It a great source for grassroots ways to make a difference
Green Power Partnership a joint effort of the EPA and DOE