Final answer:
To lower an individual's carbon footprint, one should drive fuel-efficient cars, adopt a plant-based diet, and use energy-efficient appliances. Deforestation should be avoided as it increases the carbon footprint, whereas afforestation and reducing fossil fuel consumption can reduce it. option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The options that lower an individual's carbon footprint include driving a fuel-efficient car, eating a plant-based diet, and using energy-efficient appliances. These actions help to reduce the excess carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. On the other hand, deforestation actually increases the carbon footprint because it decreases the number of trees that can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Planting more trees, burning less fossil fuels, and decreasing livestock agriculture are other effective strategies for reducing one's carbon footprint.
Conscious decisions like conserving energy, choosing sustainable transportation options, and being mindful of consumption can lead to a significant reduction in individual and collective carbon footprints, ultimately benefiting the environment. These adjustments, from changing dietary habits to supporting renewable energy sources, reflect a move towards a more sustainable lifestyle with reduced dependency on fossil fuels.