Human Impact On California's Environment

The world is currently undergoing changes unlike ever recorded before in human history. Record breaking temperatures are occurring more frequently, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are at their highest rates since the Jurassic period, and a rapidly increasing population, fully reliant on our planets natural resources, are beginning to push the earth to its limit. On a local level, these environmental changes are having a significant impact on California’s environment. If this trend continues, California could experience devastating blows to its agriculture industry, a massive source of revenue. Perhaps the most important question to ask ourselves right now is; how can we reduce the impact that we have on California’s environment? So that we may
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 2000-2013, California was ranked as the second largest producer of CO2 emissions in the United States, behind Texas. Air pollution is an extremely difficult form of pollution to bring into the public eye for two reasons. One, because it is the introduction of microscopic molecules into the atmosphere, it is invisible and often goes unnoticed. Secondly, the effects of these pollutes can take decades of exposure to accumulate and see the true extent of its effects. Over long-term exposure, Carbon emissions speed up the greenhouse effect by trapping more heat in the atmosphere, increasing the risk for prolonged droughts. This process is largely linked to global warming, and is beginning to have devastating effects on California’s already dry and warm climate. CO2 emissions derive from human activities like the burning of gas, coal, oil, and fossil fuels, as well as through intensified land use for agricultural purposes (Castro, Huber
Individuals can take action by investing on greener energy sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it easier now more than ever for people to reduce their own carbon footprint by labeling various electrical products ranging from dishwashers to tablets with an Energy Star label. These products meet EPA’s low standards of energy consumption which will in turn reduce the cost of energy bills. As for transportation, carpooling and public transportation that rely on renewable energy are key to reducing your carbon footprint. Less than a decade ago, most vehicles were required to only meet minimal fuel-economy standards (Henson 388), so for those who must commute by car daily, investing in an energy efficient vehicles like electric cars and hybrids is a great way to help cut carbon