isramart : Small acts can make big difference in CO2

Isramart news:
Having attended a congress in July in Bloomington, I have observed some differences between Europe and U.S. culture.

With the U.N. climate congress approaching, you cannot help trying to look at reasons as to why the CO2 emission per person in United States is twice the level in Europe.

Every house, restaurant, bus and meeting facility has air conditioning in the United States and the temperature is often set at around 60-65 F, which makes people wear jumpers indoors on days with high temperatures outside.

Turning the air conditioning up to 70-75 F would reduce the electricity bill and the CO2 emission considerably.

A new car in the United States probably does around 25 mpg whereas the old ones do 10-15 mpg. In contrast, the average new family car in Europe drives 35-40 mpg.

European Union car prices are much higher and the petrol price is around $6 per gallon.

The economic push to drive economically in the United States is very low.

In U.S. restaurants, the portions are double what is often needed. Much food is wasted and many eat more than required.

Smaller portions would help against obesity - which is a huge problem in the United States - and it would improve life expectancy.

Changing behavior is difficult, but can be done -as with smoking policies.

The changes would reduce CO2 emissions without loss of welfare in the United States.