Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Using Introductory Calculus (Integration) to Analyze CO2 Emission Data

A classroom/laboratory activity to analyze CO₂ emissions data by using Riemann sums for the calculation of area under the curve.

Students will use calculate and compare CO₂ emissions for the U.S. and China, based on emission and population data for the period 1980-2015. They will use Riemann sums to calculate the area under the curve. They will also create a proposal for emission reduction by considering past and current CO₂ emissions for the two countries.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

1. Calculate the total CO₂ emissions for China from 1980 to 2015 (data records provided in the activity) by using left Riemann sum and right Riemann sum. Compare the two values obtained.
2. Using Riemann sums, compare the total CO₂ emissions (data records provided in the activity) for the U.S. and China from 1980 to 2015.
3. What are the possible effects of these CO₂ emissions on the Earth’s climate?

About the Tool

Tool Name	US and China CO2 Emisisons
Discipline	Mathematics
Topic(s) in Discipline	Integration; Reimann Sums; Area Under Curve
Climate Topic	Energy, Economics, and Climate Change
Type of Tool	Laboratory Activity
Grade Level	High School, Undergraduate
Location	Global
Language	English
Translation	None
Developed by	Thomas J. Pfaff, Ithaca College
Hosted at	Sustainability Math
Link	http://sustainabilitymath.org/calculus-materials/
Access	Online/Offline
Computer Skills	Basic

Left-handed and Right-handed Reiman Sums

(Image : https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1180034/inequality-and-integral)