State's Contribution to Climate Change
California and Texas are two of the most populated states in the country, and the energy source of their choice is important.
San Francisco
San Francisco is one of, if not the, most popular and densely populated cities in the state of California. They use a lot of energy because they are a very technology focused city, and the city I also full of people. People visiting and homeless people throughout the city all use energy. San Francisco is full of electric cars though, which do not contribute to climate change or carbon emissions and California themselves have stated they want to go fully electric very soon.
This is a picture of San Francisco, California.
Houston
Houston is the biggest city in Texas, holding 2.3 million people. Houston has invested 70 million dollars to reduce everyone's energy usage by 30%. They hold one of the largest ports in the world and were deemed the energy capital of the world.
This is a picture of Houston, Texas.
Map of Energy Sources
California's main energy sources are solar and hydroelectric, both of which are sustainable and do not create carbon emissions, solar panels are expensive but they do not cost much to maintain. Texas primary energy sources are wind turbines and biomass, while wind turbines are sustainable they are very costly in the long run. We all know the downsides of biomass and how much they contribute to carbon emissions.
California has a population of 39 million, Texas has a population of 30 million.
Map of Emission Reduction Goals
Conservation Action Steps
Conservation of resources like energy and water which keep the world turning is very important, we can slow down the rate at which they are used by being conscious of when we are using them, letting others around us know to be conscious, and using appliances that use these resources efficiently. Unplugging your unused electronics will stop energy from being wasted, better insulating your home, and conducting your home energy audit are all great ways to save energy. Energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, airdrying your clothes, changing your habits, using LED lighting, not using the AC as often, and interacting with the world instead of technology all help save energy. Low flow plumbing appliances, fixing leaks, reusing grey water, full loads in the washer and dishwasher, shorter showers, collecting rain water, getting plants that require less water, and letting your family know all of this information will help to save water. Our climate is important and every step towards protecting it is a big one and one worth congratulating.
Summary
California has a lower carbon emission per Capita, has more sustainable energy, is greater when it comes to energy efficiency, and still pledges to try and reduce carbon emissions by 100%. Texas has a 9 million person lower population and is lacking in all energy aspects. Conservation is about the mindset and effort, everyone can do it.
Reflection of Internship
This internship started a little boring to me because it felt more like a task instead of something I was really interested in but as I got to the later milestones it became a lot more fun. Interactive tasks like having to measure my electricity usage, and water usage, and measuring my appliance's water usage per minute made it feel more like I was doing something instead of sitting in front of a screen clicking random buttons. The conservation action plan was pretty fun too because I could use my own reasoning to defend and promote things I believe in instead of having to regurgitate information and defend what someone else told me to. This internship gave me a new perspective on water and energy usage and how important it is. I'm very thankful to have had this opportunity and I learned to stick to the things that are not so fun or are difficult to do because they pay off the most.