Friday, October 12, 2012

Blog 7: Software Calculates City-Specific Carbon Footprint

     Ecologist Kevin Gurney is using a new software system to map out emissions throughout cities. The new software uses satellites to map out the amount of carbon dioxide released from specific areas of the city. Scientists use several measuring devices to monitor the emissions in the city and the satellite provides a mapping of the emissions compared to the specific area of the city. The software and process has been named the Hestia project, which is named after the Greek goddess of hearth and home. As motorist begin the day there is an increase in the amount of fossil fuels emissions. This technology is so accurate that it can measure carbon dioxide levels as they change with the fluctuation of daily commuting. The Hestia project can isolate major sources of emissions, this information can then be used to cut emissions from the major sources. In the past scientist have not been able to accurately measure city emissions. This software provides a useful tool to qualitatively keep track of emissions. Data of this nature could be used in several ways to lower the emissions of a city and provide more Eco-friendly cities. Using measurements from different cities and landscapes could show us which cities are more efficient in day to day activities. As cities try to improve emissions, the software and data points will provide more evidence for what needs to be done to help lower emissions. This software will allow cities to customize their own carbon footprint for the better. The Hestia project is a good step to lowering emissions across the world. It is a great benefit to be able to analyze cities on a smaller scale. The process of lowering emissions with be increased by addressing individual cities instead of addressing the issue on a global scale. 

http://www.npr.org/2012/10/11/162656583/software-calculates-city-specific-carbon-footprint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ujD52RTvyME#!

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