Drastic changes needed to reduce emissions
Take the new, highly-acclaimed "green dorm," West Quad, which boasts using 45% less energy and 20% less water, according to USC's website. This attacks the problem from the wrong direction because the real savings must come from changes in our behavior. This shouldn't come as a surprise: according to Terrapass.com, the average dorm room produces 3.3 tons of carbon dioxide per year mainly from laptops, mini-fridges, microwaves and leather shoes, of all things. And how many occupants don't have a 20-pack of plastic water bottles sitting on their floor? All of that energy is used to transport water that is the same as the water that comes from the bathroom tap.
No one is arguing that USC shouldn't reduce its carbon footprint Having freshmen read Colin Beavan's book No Impact Man might lead some students to reconsider their energy habits, but how many will give up their cars, which release 1 pound of carbon dioxide for every mile according to epa.gov? While USC is adamant about recycling and encourages students to carry their Nalgene bottles, these measures are like using a teaspoon to hold back the tide.
Here on campus and in the US, we can afford the luxury of making environmentally-friendly choices. In second and third world countries, however, theories of doomsday aren't relevant to parents with hungry children. Don't expect China, India, or Indonesia to willingly stop burning the coal that raises their standard of living.
If predictions of imminent destruction caused by carbon emissions are correct, the world needs to change now. America needs federal taxes that raise the price of carbon-produced energy to the point where it is no longer cost-effective. Rallies and speeches are fine, but people will only react to incentives concerning money. Will students walk to class if gas is eight dollars per gallon?
Either global warming poses a legitimate threat to our species, meaning we need to make unprecedented changes, or it doesn't, and students can continue their indulgent lifestyle. Even a pint of Bud Light accounts for 1.1 pounds of carbon dioxide, according to The Guardian. There is no wishy-washy "Let's build solar panels so students can use this energy to keep their kegerator cold" answer to this problem.
More Like This
Students, faculty encourage USC to divest from fossil fuels
By Jack Bingham | Feb. 23, 2021Column: Ugly species need love too
By Griffin Hobson | Aug. 23, 2015