This is a 2 step assignment:Step 1: Use the EPA's Carbon Footprint Calculator at https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/ (Links to an external site.) to calculate your own, personal carbon footprint. Find out exactly how much YOU, personally, are contributing to the global climate crisis. What to submit: In a short (150-300 word) essay: discuss 3 ways in which your carbon footprint is higher than you expected and, for each, come up with a realistic (one that's actually feasible for you to do, starting today) plan for reducing your footprint.Step 2: Unfortunately, reducing our future footprints is only part of the equation. We also need to remove the carbon we've already released in to the atmosphere. We can do this through "carbon offsetting". Watch the video below for information on how carbon offsetting works, why it's necessary and its fall backs (nothing is perfect, but perfection should not be the enemy of the good). Then, visit https://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbonoffsetprojects.html (Links to an external site.) and using the website identify one project you'd be willing to support now, or in the future. Scroll to the bottom of the website, and enter the information on your carbon footprint from step 1, convert your answer from step 1 (which is in lbs) to US tons by dividing by 2000. Calculate how much it would cost to offset enough of your carbon footprint to become carbon-neutral (no net emissions of carbon in to the atmosphere) by entering the value in the appropriate box and finding your selected project in the list that pops up. Note: when you click 'get prices' the projects are grouped in to regional projects so your chosen project may be put in to one of those categories (click the titles to explore further). Example of a carbon offset policy: FIU's Earth and Environment Department has committed to offsetting all official department air travel related carbon emissions by paying for carbon offsets through Native Energy https://nativeenergy.com/ (Links to an external site.) .What to submit: After your step 1 essay, add another 150-300 words discuss which project you chose, why you chose it, and how much it would cost for you, per year, to offset enough of your carbon footprint to live a carbon-neutral lifestyle. In one final sentence, commit to what you are personally willing and able to do, starting today, to achieve that goal. Hot tip: saying you're not willing/able to do anything would not be considered a right answer.Video to watch: Carbon Offsetting - Funding Solutions to Climate Change (Links to an external site.) Rubriccarbon footprint and offset assignment rubriccarbon footprint and offset assignment rubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome3 ways your carbon footprint is too high15 ptsFull Marks3 sources of your personal carbon footprint identified using the calculator7.5 ptshalf credit1-2 sources of your carbon footprint identified using the calculator0 ptsmissingtopic not satisfied15 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome3 ways to fix your carbon footprint15 ptsFull Marks3 feasible ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint substantively discussed7.5 ptshalf creditDiscussion present but not feasible, or lacking in details0 ptsmissingtopic not satisfied15 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCarbon offsetting project identified5 ptsProject identified0 ptsMissing5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWhy did you choose that carbon offsetting project?10 ptsFull MarksSubstantive discussion of the project's goals and why those mesh with your own personal decision5 ptshalf creditDiscussion lacking depth or substantive details, but present0 ptsmissingtopic not satisfied10 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCost calculation provided5 ptsCalculation provided0 ptsMissing5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWhat are YOU going to do?10 ptsFull MarksSubstantive and realistic discussion of how YOU are going to achieve carbon neutrality5 ptshalf creditDiscussion lacking depth or substantive details, but present0 ptsmissingtopic not satisfied10 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTimelieness10 ptsFull MarksProject submitted on time and in the proper format0 ptsNo MarksProject 24 hours or more late10 ptsTotal Points: 70

For each assignment, you will use the M.U.S.E. link to complete the lab. In this lab, you will see the progression of industrialization and human growth. This will help you write a scientific paper that focuses on the sustainability of groundwater. Human Impacts on the Sustainability of Groundwater Sustainability is based on this simple principle: Everything that is needed for human survival and well-being depends on the environment Also, sustainability: Creates and maintains conditions for humans and nature to exist in harmony Helps fulfill the social and economic requirements of present and future generations Keeping sustainability in mind, address the following in your scientific paper: If current human growth stays the same, will groundwater sustainability be impacted? Using the M.U.S.E. link, review the background information and gather your data. Review this video for a detailed overview of this assignment: https://breeze.careeredonline.com/p3bwx2hkqdnf/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal . Use the Lab 1 worksheet for assignment instructions and data collection. Be certain to compete both Part 1 and Part 2 of the worksheet. Please submit your assignment. For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. Assignment Specific Grading Criteria: Unit 1 Individual Project Grading Criteria Max Points Table in Part 1 is filled out completely using simulated data from MUSE 5 Purpose describes the overall lab in 2-3 sentences 5 Introduction is a 1 paragraph about water resource availability. This may include common usages of water and environmental concerns. This not a summary of the actual lab. 5 Hypothesis is a one sentence prediction that relates directly to the data collected in Part 1. 5 Methods include a summary of using the MUSE simulation to collect data. 5 Results summarize in sentence form the data contained in Part 1. Table from Part 1 should either be included in this section or referred to. 5 Discussion is 1 paragraph that explicitly relates data (Part 1) to hypothesis, making connections between human water usages, long-term sustainability, and the impacts of continued human development on water. 5 Uses proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar to write clearly and effectively. 5 Total: 40