Datastream
What’s Faster, Nature or Machine?
The Briefing
- The race between animals and cars is surprisingly close
- The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest animal, capable of speeds beyond many modern sports cars
Comparing Top Speeds of Animals and Cars
Did you know that the world’s fastest animals can actually keep up with, or even beat most modern cars?
In this graphic, we’ve visualized the top speeds of several animals and cars to show you how close the race really is. The data we used is also listed below in tabular format.
| Name | Top Speed (mph) | Top speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (2019) | 304 mph | 489 km/h |
| Peregrine Falcon | 242 mph | 389 km/h |
| Porsche 911 Turbo S (2021) | 205 mph | 330 km/h |
| Golden Eagle | 200 mph | 322 km/h |
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (2020) | 194 mph | 312 km/h |
| Honda Civic (2021) | 137 mph | 220 km/h |
| Toyota RAV4 (2021) | 120 mph | 193 km/h |
| Ford F-150 Raptor (2020) | 107 mph | 172 km/h |
| Mexican free-tailed bat | 101 mph | 163 km/h |
| Cheetah | 75 mph | 121 km/h |
| Sailfish | 68 mph | 109 km/h |
| Honda Ruckus (2020) | 40 mph | 64 km/h |
At the top of this list is the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first production car to reach a top speed of over 300 mph (482 km/h). The Super Sport 300+ is a limited edition variant of the regular Chiron, and only 30 examples (with a price tag of $4 million) are being built for the entire world.
At 300 mph, the Chiron’s specially designed tires rotate up to 4,100 times per minute, and are subjected to a centrifugal force of over 5,000 G. Here’s another interesting fact: when the Chiron is driving at a constant top speed, its 22 gallon (100L) fuel tank will completely drain in less than 10 minutes.
What’s That in the Sky?
The peregrine falcon surpasses most sports cars by reaching a top speed of 242 mph (389 km/h) while diving. This feat was achieved in 2005 by a falcon named “Frightful”, and verified by Guinness World Records.
The peregrine falcon is found in nearly every corner of the world, and hunts other, medium-sized birds by dropping down on them from above.
Further down the list is the Mexican free-tailed bat, which only weighs between 11 to 12 grams. For context, a wooden pencil weighs about 7 grams. These bats are considered the world’s fastest mammals, and unlike the peregrine falcon, reach their top speed purely through wing power (without diving).
Source: Britannica, Car and Driver, Guinness World Records, Honda
Datastream
Can You Calculate Your Daily Carbon Footprint?
Discover how the average person’s carbon footprint impacts the environment and learn how carbon credits can offset your carbon footprint.
The Briefing
- A person’s carbon footprint is substantial, with activities such as food consumption creating as much as 4,500 g of CO₂ emissions daily.
- By purchasing carbon credits from Carbon Streaming Corporation, you can offset your own emissions and fund positive climate action.
Your Everyday Carbon Footprint
While many large businesses and countries have committed to net-zero goals, it is essential to acknowledge that your everyday activities also contribute to global emissions.
In this graphic, sponsored by Carbon Streaming Corporation, we will explore how the choices we make and the products we use have a profound impact on our carbon footprint.
Carbon Emissions by Activity
Here are some of the daily activities and products of the average person and their carbon footprint, according to Clever Carbon.
| Household Activities & Products | CO2 Emissions (g) |
|---|---|
| 💡 Standard Light Bulb (100 watts, four hours) | 172 g |
| 📱 Mobile Phone Use (195 minutes per day)* | 189 g |
| 👕 Washing Machine (0.63 kWh) | 275 g |
| 🔥 Electric Oven (1.56 kWh) | 675 g |
| ♨️ Tumble Dryer (2.5 kWh) | 1,000 g |
| 🧻 Toilet Roll (2 ply) | 1,300 g |
| 🚿 Hot Shower (10 mins) | 2,000 g |
| 🚙 Daily Commute (one hour, by car) | 3,360 g |
| 🍽️ Average Daily Food Consumption (three meals of 600 calories) | 4,500 g |
| *Phone use based on yearly use of 69kg per the source, Reboxed | |
Your choice of transportation plays a crucial role in determining your carbon footprint. For instance, a 15 km daily commute to work on public transport generates an average of 1,464 g of CO₂ emissions. Compared to 3,360 g—twice the volume for a journey the same length by car.
By opting for more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling, walking, or public transportation, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Addressing Your Carbon Footprint
One way to compensate for your emissions is by purchasing high-quality carbon credits.
Carbon credits are used to help fund projects that avoid, reduce or remove CO₂ emissions. This includes nature-based solutions such as reforestation and improved forest management, or technology-based solutions such as the production of biochar and carbon capture and storage (CCS).
While carbon credits offer a potential solution for individuals to help reduce global emissions, public awareness remains a significant challenge. A BCG-Patch survey revealed that only 34% of U.S. consumers are familiar with carbon credits, and only 3% have purchased them in the past.
About Carbon Streaming
By financing the creation or expansion of carbon projects, Carbon Streaming Corporation secures the rights to future carbon credits generated by these sustainable projects. You can then purchase these carbon credits to help fund climate solutions around the world and compensate for your own emissions.
Ready to get involved?
>> Learn more about purchasing carbon credits at Carbon Streaming
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