How We Can Reduce the Greenhouse Gases in the Air

Fossil fuel combustion is the largest source of carbon dioxide in the world.

Greenhouse gases (GHG) act like a blanket wrapped around the planet, keeping warmth in and making life on Earth possible. Industrialization has led to too much of a good thing, resulting in global warming. Any activity or policy that can reduce GHG emissions is a partial solution to global warming. Carbon dioxide and methane are the two most common greenhouse gases. Both occur naturally in the environment, but the predominant human source of carbon dioxide is fossil fuel in the form of coal, oil or natural gas. Methane derives from landfills, domesticated cattle and fossil fuel mining.

Inventory

To reduce emissions, begin by calculating a "carbon footprint," which measures the effect that nations, businesses and even individuals have on the atmosphere. After quantifying the level of emissions, develop steps to reduce them and offset those that are unavoidable. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides an online emissions calculator for households.

Conserve

Compact fluorescents use less energy, saving money over the long term.

Reducing demand for energy and increasing the efficiency of appliances and vehicles will result in GHG savings. Carpooling, installing an electronic temperature control, weatherization and turning off the lights will all reduce energy consumption and associated emissions. Increasing the fuel efficiency of automobiles, using Energy Star appliances and installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs are examples of technologies that improve energy efficiency.

Alternative Energy

Renewable sources of energy are those that cannot be exhausted because they are constantly replenished naturally. Those types of energy include solar, wind, geothermal and tidal. Biomass fuel is an alternative energy source that reduces emissions by recycling carbon. The biofuels are created from plant materials that have taken carbon out of the atmosphere and burning them releases the carbon back again. There are many raw materials available for the manufacture of biofuels, including crop waste, used cooking oil and cultivated algae. Recent studies indicate that crop-based biofuel materials, such as corn or grass, can have a negative effect on biodiversity and a greater carbon footprint than previously thought. Nuclear fuel is not considered renewable, but it does not emit greenhouse gases.

Offsets

Trees sequester carbon dioxide as they grow.

Offsets can be purchased, or implemented directly by planting trees, to increase the amount of carbon taken out of the atmosphere. Offsets provide a way to achieve carbon neutral living. Carbon offsets can be purchased from a variety of sources. Common offsets include reforestation as well as projects that promote alternative energy and conservation worldwide.

Policies

In a free market economy, the best way to replace fossil fuels is by making them more expensive. The market will respond by providing cheaper and cleaner alternatives. Policymakers, environmental groups and economists advocate one of three options in the United States: a carbon tax, a cap and trade system, or a cap and dividend system. All three systems would raise the price of carbon emissions, but the associated costs, and rebates to offset those costs, would affect businesses and consumers differently.

References

• EPA: Climate Change
• Carbon Footprint: Home of Carbon Management
• National Renewable Energy Lab: Learning About Renewable Energy

Resources

• Capanddividend.org: Cap and dividend vs. tax and refund
• Science Online: Non-renewable Energy Resources