Colleen Donlan
9/18/13
I began my first search looking up the most “green” countries to see what other countries do to lower their carbon footprint. Germany was at the top of a list. Vauban is a small town in Germany where they have barely any cars. If a citizen wants a car, he has to pay for a parking spot on the outskirts of the town. Paterson calls this town “one of Europe’s most successful experiments in green living.” Also, the houses in Vauban have environmentally friendly heating systems which cost about the same as normal heat (Paterson). Another article talked about Sweden’s energy’s system. Almost half of their energy is renewable energy, putting Sweden “at the front of the line” (Energy) when it comes to improving green energy systems.
“They have banished everything with four wheels and an engine from the streets.” This quote shows that there is still hope to help the environment globally. I thought it was unbelievable that a town could achieve this! Although it may not be realistic globally, it’s a step in the right direction, and also proves that when people come together to make a change, it does make an impact.
Other countries are working towards reducing their carbon levels and starting programs to benefit the earth. Norway is planning on becoming carbon neutral by 2030. There are so many things the United States could do to help our carbon footprint. Along with Brazil, the United States was ranked one of the countries negatively impacting the environment. Other countries’ actions show that it is not too late to help global warming! We should be investing money and time to help make our country more green, like Australia, Sweden, and Norway.
Work Cited:
Paterson, Tony. "Auto-ban: German Town Goes Car-free." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 26 June 2009. Web. 22 Sept. 2013.
"Energy: Generating Power for a Sustainable Future." Energy: Generating Power for a Sustainable Future. Swedish Institute, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2013.
I think you're right in saying that the United States has by far enough resources and brain to reduce carbon footprint. We need to learn how to follow the ideas of other successful countries. I feel like the United States tends to feel superior in every way shape and form that we forget that other countries are excelling in ways we have yet to even think possible.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the people in Vauban transport themselves if they don't use vehicles. Although I agree that we should follow other countries' examples, it would be really hard to implement these kinds of systems in America because we are so dependent on motor vehicles and oil.
ReplyDeleteI like the ideas that the countries have brought forth about reducing their carbon footprints. I agree that the United States should be working on a cleaner footprint as well. I am curious, however, how they plan for neutrality by 2030--- I feel as though that is a bit ambitious.
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