What's Your Carbon Footprint?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

What Is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is the general term used to quantify the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels.

• Wait, what?

Don't worry! There is a simpler way of understanding a carbon footprint.

This brief animated video explains a carbon footprint and why it matters. Pay attention so you can answer the questions below.

When you finish watching the video, reflect on the following questions and record your thoughts in the spaces below.

You may be wondering what the term fossil fuels means.

Fossil fuels are natural resources that were formed within the earth a long time ago. These fuels are used to produce energy. They include coal, natural gas, and petroleum.

• Can you guess what each fossil fuel is used for?

Every day, tons of fossil fuel sources are extracted from the earth to produce goods and services. When some of these fossil fuels are used, they produce potentially toxic gases in our atmosphere.

For example, automobiles use petroleum to move. The petroleum used produces carbon dioxide as a by-product.

Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas. It is odorless and is formed in nature when oxygen, water vapor, and carbon atoms are combined.

However, when excessive amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, they can trap too much heat within the earth's atmosphere. This can be problematic for various reasons.

• Can you think of some of these reasons?

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint!

You can do many things to reduce your carbon footprint. Brainstorm some ways you think you can reduce your carbon footprint.

When you are done, watch this video to see if any of your brainstorming ideas appear.

• Do you always remember to turn off the lights when you leave a room?
• Do you recycle?

Previously, you learned that reducing your carbon footprint doesn't have to be complicated. What matters is how proactive you are in preventing waste and conserving energy.

Continue to the Got It? section of this lesson to assess your understanding of what a carbon footprint is.