Currently, our infrastructure is highly dependent on fossil fuels and it will take time before there is any drastic shift. In the meantime, energy efficiency is key. According to Ghoniem, energy efficiency needs to be implemented in two areas, converting raw energy and better practices in utilizing energy. We can become more energy efficient in converting raw energy into usable energy by improving electric generation power plants. Technological advances in gas separation and higher temperature gas turbines in these plants can increase efficiency from 32% to 60% (35). These policy changes provide efficiency improvements in converting raw energy sources while better practices in utilizing energy are little changes we as individuals can do to lower our carbon …show more content…
According to Bardescu, the average car that has traveled 10,000 kilometers releases 3.0 tons of CO2 (1125). Transportation accounts for 27% of the total energy used in the United States (Ghoniem 45). Car manufacturers can reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by manufacturing cars that are more energy efficient. Not only will this drastically lower the amount of carbon released, but will also increase gas mileage making the cars more consumer friendly by saving them money in gas. Some car manufacturers have already started this process, such as Honda and Toyota manufacturing hybrid models and high gas mileage cars. The goal is to keep this trend going. As technology keeps on improving, more efficient cars and appliances will be made, appealing to consumers and reducing the impact of carbon on our