Reducing our "carbon footprint"

Much is being written about reducing our "carbon footprint" - the direct effect actions and lifestyle have on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). But many are unclear as to why reducing our carbon footprint is so important. CO2 is the largest contributor to global climate change - the changes in modern climate. And scientists the world over are concerned about the rate at which the Earth is warming, potentially causing worldwide devastation. One solution: creating smaller carbon footprints. Energy demands for travel and electricity are the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. In fact, U.S. Department of Energy estimates show energy used for transportation accounted for 2/3 of the nation's oil consumption and contributed 33 percent of the country's carbon dioxide emissions in 2006. The U.S. annually contributes 21 percent of the World's emissions.

Obviously, there's no "one-size fits all" solution to smaller footprints, but reducing transportation- related emissions is a start. This will include more efficient vehicles, (Ford is getting ready to launch is Ford Escape Hybrid FFV - the first vehicle of its kind) fewer miles driven, and lower-carbon fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, that generate significantly less heat trapping gases per unit of energy delivered than petroleum-based gasoline and diesel. Ethanol, as a biofuel, has the potential, when produced in a sustainable manner, to not only reduce transportation-related emissions but also to promote economic and energy security by curbing our country's growing oil dependence. Another advantage for biofuels is that not only burn cleaner, they capture carbon dioxide as they grow. Did you know? Ethanol-enriched fuel reduces harmful tailpipe emissions by as much as 30% - even in new cars. Emissions are lowered even more when using E85. (Source: Smog Reyes, February 2004.) Corn setting stage for future of ethanol Ethanol is an effective alternative to fossil fuels because it fits well in the existing fuel distribution infrastructure and offers potentially abundant domestic supplies with great opportunities for growth. The beauty of the work being done to promote the adoption of corn-based ethanol is that it is paving the way for cellulosic ethanol and other sources. Building a robust ethanol market today will encourage ongoing research and development for the production and utilization of future ethanol-based fuels - many of which will offer even greater value in reducing CO2 emissions. Did you know? According to US Department of Energy, studies conducted by the Argonne Laboratories of the University of Chicago has found that one of the benefits of cellulosic ethanol is that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 85% over reformulated gasoline. Ethanol has tremendous future potential for reducing America's carbon footprint because not all ethanol sources are the same. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates cellulosic ethanol would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 91 percent if petroleum fuel was replaced gallon for gallon. Comparatively, corn ethanol would cut emissions by 22 percent, while sugar ethanol diminishes green house gas emissions by 56 percent and biodiesel shrinks CO2 pollution by 68 percent. And, these numbers take into account the farm-to-tailpipe emissions from generating the biofuels. These EPA estimates are a great "good news" story for the future of ethanol and for consumers, who will have even bigger opportunities to make smaller carbon footprints by choosing ethanol in the years to come.