Week 9: Reading Guide

How can carbon emissions from freight be reduced?

Although most of the world’s cargo moves by ship, focusing on land may be the best way to reduce the carbon footprint of freight.

Why aren’t biofuels more prevalent?

Without new breakthroughs, producing much more biofuel than we do today might be a net-negative for the climate—and would definitely raise our fuel prices.

How are gases in the atmosphere analyzed and measured?

By shining different kinds of light and radiation through air samples, scientists can tell which gases are absorbing or reacting to that light, and in what amounts.

When scientists say the Earth has warmed by 1°C, which parts of the planet are being measured?

The parts of the planet being measured are our land and ocean surfaces: what we call global average surface temperatures.

What is the most cost-effective way to buy carbon offsets?

Offset sellers make it easy to compare prices across projects—but you should also make sure you can trust that your purchase is really keeping carbon out of the air.

How much carbon dioxide does the Earth naturally absorb?

The planet naturally releases and absorbs far more carbon dioxide than humans emit by burning fossil fuels. The problem is that human activities have thrown the Earth’s carbon cycle out of balance.

Will companies pass on the cost of a carbon tax to consumers?

They could, but companies will still face pressure to clean up their greenhouse gas emissions—and there are ways to relieve the burden for their customers.