Problem Set 6: Resource Allocation

Why isn’t my kid learning about climate change in their high school classroom? What can we do so that more young people understand what’s going on with climate change?

In the U.S., climate change is not a standard part of the public school curriculum in many districts due to a lack of resources, lack of teacher background knowledge, and forces that push against this type of education.

Can We Cool the Earth by Covering More of It with Snow?

More snow cover could reflect more sunlight back into space. But tinkering with the climate is not something to be taken lightly.

Where Will Coastal Residents First See the Effects of Sea Level Rise?

People on the coasts may find that the biggest effects from rising seas will come from the groundwater below their feet.

Why don’t we use tidal power more?

Tidal power is a promising renewable energy source, but production costs, a limited number of suitable locations, and technological challenges hinder its expansion.

How will future warming and CO2 emissions influence oxygen concentrations?

Oxygen levels are declining due to the burning of fossil fuels and other kinds of pollution. While the decline won’t directly affect humans in terms of the air we breathe, certain ecosystems are much more impacted, especially aquatic ones.

Does the concrete needed to build renewable energy negate the good?

It takes fossil fuels to build renewable energy infrastructure such as solar panels and wind turbines. But those emissions pale in comparison to the CO₂ avoided by using renewable energy.

How do hurricanes affect marine life – both coastal and ocean life?

Hurricanes can radically affect marine ecosystems, changing seafloor habitats as well as levels of oxygen, salinity, and pollution in the water.

How much CO2 is emitted by manufacturing batteries?

It depends exactly where and how the battery is made—but when it comes to clean technologies like electric cars and solar power, even the dirtiest batteries emit less CO2 than using no battery at all.

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.

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.