For the past 150 years, people have relied heavily on coal, oil and other fossil fuels to power everything they do. And as a result, the greenhouse gases released from the burning of those fuels have reached historically high level.
As greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere that would otherwise escape into the space, average temperature in the air surface rises causing global warming – a symptom of climate change; the term scientists now prefer to describe the complex shifts affecting our planet’s weather and climate system.
There is no single way to mitigate climate change, instead we have to place together different solutions to stop the climate from warming. Many of these solutions are already being implemented in places like Japan, Argentina and some can be tackled by individuals such as:
Using less energy
Globally, electricity use is responsible for 25% of all emissions, and if we cannot reduce our emissions, scientists believe that climate change could lead to the death of more than 250,000 people around the globe every year and drag 100million people into poverty by 2030. Taking steps to use less electricity especially when it comes to burning coal or gas takes a great deal out of the greenhouse gas emissions like replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs; adding insulations for your homes; and adjusting your thermostat.
Other new technologies that keep buildings in energy-efficient taste are using glass that reflects heat, low-flow water fixtures, smarter thermostats and new air refrigerants that do not cause warming. Hence, urban and sub-urban environment uses green or cool roofs to limit the amount of heat that gets into their buildings during hot days, study reveals.
Renewable energy
Today, the amount of electricity that comes from renewable energy is growing. The renewable energy sources include solar, wind, geothermal, ocean wave, tidal, hydropower, nuclear energy and biomass energy. Research proven creditably shows that these renewable energies do not burn like fossil fuels; meaning that they do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in the process of electricity generation.
In addition, nuclear energy as part of renewable energy sources creates no greenhouse gas emission, and can be considered as a solution to climate change, study reveals. It generates radiation waste that needs long-term secure storage.
Decreased food energy footprint
Reducing one’s carbon footprint means changing how you approach and participate in activities that produces greenhouse gas. Hence, making several small changes to what and how you eat can cut your food carbon footprint, and help reduce the total impact of carbon-dioxide in our planet. Study proven creditably reveals that about one-fifth of global carbon emissions come from raising farm animals for meat. For example, as cattle digest food; they belch and releases methane- a powerful greenhouse gas; and their manure releases greenhouse gases such as carbon-dioxide and nitrous oxides.
Deforestation
Today, there are only about half the number of trees on the planet than when human first evolved. And, the fastest rate of forest destruction has been in the past couple of centuries. About 15milllion trees are being cut down every year across the world; and we are fighting hard to stop this forest destruction. This is because forest destruction is a crisis for the whole planet. Tree absorbs and stores carbon-dioxide. If forests are cleared, or even disturbed, they release carbon-dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This forest loss and damage is the cause of around 10% of global warming.
According to research, if half of the world’s population adopt a plant-rich diet by 2050; it means about 65Giga tonnes of carbon-dioxide would be kept out of the atmosphere over 30 years. So, eating a diet that is mostly or entirely plant such as vegetables, bread, rice and beans lowers emissions. Also, reducing food waste can make even a larger impact by saving about 90Giga tonnes of carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere over 30 years.
Travelling without making greenhouse gases:
Most of the ways we have to get from place to place currently rely on fossil fuels such as using gasoline for vehicles, jet fuels for airplanes etc. It is unequivocal that alternative energy sources for transportation that replaces fossil fuel are forthcoming, and powering fossil fuels adds up to 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere by shifting to alternative technologies that either do not need gasoline or do not need as much gasoline like hybrid cars, using public transportations, and walking which may lead to fewer vehicles being on the road. Cities and towns can make it easier for people to lower greenhouse gas emissions by adding bus routes like paths, side-walks into the road lines.
For other actions to mitigate global climate change, please see my next article.
By Okoko Chidozie Christian, chidochrisozonegold@yahoo.com, 09025179984
