Module 14: Lecture 23: Personal and Local Solutions

• Maryland has a greenhouse gas emissions reduction act that aims for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to 2006 levels by 2030
• Maryland is number 1 in the nation for reducing carbon emissions while also growing the economy
• Maryland has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 38% since 2005 while the GDP has grown
• Maryland has reduced reliance on coal-fired power plants to achieve greenhouse gas reductions
• Maryland has an ocean acidification action plan to promote public awareness and decrease drivers of ocean acidification
• Maryland counties with coastlines have their own climate mitigation plans to address sea level rise
• AACC campus


  • Has LEED certified buildings
  • Has large solar panel arrays
  • Has bus stops for public transportation
  • Has rain gardens to reduce runoff
  • Has automatic light shutoffs
• AACC offers a course on climate change
• No regret strategies


  Actions that save money and also help mitigate climate change
• Free or low-cost actions to mitigate climate change


  • Vote for climate-aware politicians
  • Drive less
  • Consolidate trips
  • Carpool or use public transport
  • Install energy efficient light bulbs
  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
  • Educate others
• Actions requiring more resources


  • Buy most fuel efficient vehicle
  • Install solar panels
  • Choose renewable energy provider
  • Upgrade older appliances
  • Get an energy audit
  • Take advantage of rebates for energy efficient technology
• The final lecture will involve calculating the student's carbon footprint