What is Global Warming?
Global warming is the case of increasing average air temperatures near the surface of Earth over the past one to two centuries. Earth is getting warmer day by day and the temperature increase is happening at an unprecedented rate. Every single year so far this decade has been hotter than every single year before 2000.
“If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us.” – David Suzuki
The temperature rise is due to carbon dioxide build up in the atmosphere. The CO2 level which was about 320 ppm in 1960 is now about 411 ppm. The top three countries that release CO2 to the atmosphere are: China, USA and India. They release 18135 MT out of a total of 36573 MT of CO2. It is about 50 %. The rest 190 + countries emit balance 50 %.
The solution lies in reducing the burning of fossil fuels to the atmosphere. Today the CO2 release to the atmosphere is to the tune of 36000 Million Tons per year. In order to arrest global warming the CO2 release has to be brought down to less than 22000 Million tons per year. This can only be done only if all the organizations, the governments and the public at large come together and implement solutions.
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is caused by Green house gases that absorb thermal infrared radiation and are in significant enough quantity and radiated in all directions, some to space and some back toward the surface, where it further warms the surface and the lower atmosphere.
Main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.
As an individual what should I do?
The answer is live sustain-ably adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Sustainable lifestyle involves making changes to our lifestyle on two counts:
1. Use Earth’s natural resources and our own personal resources judiciously. 2. Reduce our carbon footprint by altering methods of transportation, energy consumption, and diet.
Sustainability is the ability to meet the energy demands of the present day society without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs. It means that we should make all efforts to arrest global warming caused by indiscriminate use of fossil fuels as otherwise life on earth is going to be difficult if not extinct. It means we should be conscious in using fossil fuels as their depletion will handicap the future generations in not able to use them.
“If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.” — Guy McPherson
How to calculate your Carbon Footprint?
Carbon footprint is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community. When you cook food at home the amount of energy you use by way of LPG fuel is the direct release of CO2 into the atmosphere.When you buy food and goods, the production of these food and goods also emitted some quantities of CO2. These are indirect emissions associated with food you consume. Knowing the footprint of us will help to understand where we are and how do we make a difference.
To calculate your carbon footprint you can use the below online calculator by clicking on below link: https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
Work with your company management for sustainable transportation such as:
Providing monetary incentives for sustainable transportation
car pooling, Cycling, Using public transportation, etc.
Withdraw car allowance and introduce sustainable transport allowance
Individually you can do this below things to reduces global warming:
Avoid single use plastic items
Food brought from far off places consume energy with no substantial benefit So, eat local food.
Meat production such as pork,beef, etc. consumes large amount of natural resources. These animals are responsible for release of methane gas to atmosphere. Methane gas has a greenhouse gas potential of 35 times more than CO2. So, eat less meat.
Do not buy no longer used products like light bulb with limited life, mobile phones which are Coming out with a new model every year with minor changes, No-replaceable batteries in mobile phones or other electronic items, Non-refillable an ink cartridge in a printer etc.
Buy items that are long lasting use and more durable.
Switching to LED bulbs
Buy 5 star rated BEE appliances
Switch off unwanted electrical appliances such as fans, AC etc.
Install Solar PV panels and generate electricity.
Create awareness in the society and spread the message.
Now electric vehicles are coming so, you may buy electric vehicle and reduces the CO2 emission. The carbon emission of Electric vehicles is 0.96 t CO2 approx, Petrol Car is 2.99 t CO2 approx and Diesel car 2.88t CO2 approx.
Electric vehicle are also help to reduce Air pollution which is causing premature deaths and illnesses throughout the world. The majority of air pollution in India is caused by traffic which is especially prominent in towns and cities due to the congestion.
Air pollution associated with conventional vehicles includes Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Particulate Matter (PM10) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) which are emitted from exhausts due to the burning of fuel. Diesel emits four times the amount of NOx and 22 times the amount of PM10 that the average petrol vehicle. Electric Vehicle's do not produce any exhaust emissions unlike conventional vehicles and are clear winners in reducing urban air pollution.
“God gave us the earth, to till and to keep in a balanced and respectful way.”- Pope Francis
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