Ever thought the Earth could be engulfed by the fires of its own? Floods, forestfires, and heat waves are all possible. These things are everywhere we look, both in our own homes and in the news. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, (NCEI), 2020 was the hottest year since 2016. Global warming has increased due to an increase in greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. This is the view of Prof. Benjamin Cook, a climate expert. “The atmosphere permits the Energy from the Sun can pass through, but the greenhouse gases absorb and trap this energy. This means that you will get more energy and higher temperatures. The most important control knob for Earth’s heat controller is the level of carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. This is why “carbon footprint” is so important in discussions about global warming/climate change.
What is a carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon that we collectively produce from human-induced activities. Earth emits carbon dioxide equivalent to nine billion tonnes of carbon each year. Half of these carbon dioxide emissions are absorbed into the oceans and terrestrial biosphere. It is important to note that it is not a complete list. About four billion tons of excess carbon dioxide remain in the atmosphere.
According to research, the largest causes of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, for example, are:
- Transportation: 29%
- Consumption of electricity 25%
- Industrial activities: 23%
- Heating for commercial and residential use: 13%
- Agriculture: 10%
What are the environmental effects?
1. Gradually drying soil
Due to differences in water and land heat capacities, global warming is not experienced in every part of the globe. Because the land surface heats faster than the water, this makes the soil more dry than usual. This causes vegetation to become more dry and can lead to uncontrollable fires spreading faster.
2. Thermostat warming
The ocean can store more heat under its surface than the land but it eventually reaches the sea surface and causes temperature anomalies. Additionally, rising sea temperatures pose a threat to fish species and cause bleaching of coral reefs.
3. Ocean acidification
As the oceans try to absorb more carbon dioxide, they become more acidic. This directly impacts the health and well-being of all sea creatures, including coral reefs, oysters, mussels, seaplankton, and sea plankton. They are unable to form protective shells and skeletons in acidic environments.
4. Loss of ice resources and rising sea levels
“Polar amplification” refers to a situation where the warming trend is different depending on latitude. The Arctic and northern latitudes are experiencing faster warming than the rest. This reduces the snow cover time on land, as well as the volume of arctic and mountain ice. Sea levels are also rising due to melting ice reserves. This can increase the chance of flooding at coastal areas during severe weather conditions. It also triggers the Possible permanent changes due to the destruction of settlements along the coast and causing Economic losses
What can I do to reduce my carbon footprint
Global greenhouse gas emissions reduction will require major shifts away from fossil fuels and towards zero-carbon energy sources. This is why: Every country requires policies to encourage this transition. One of the best things people can do is to Organise Press the government to take swift action. This environmentalist approach can be supported by adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Each of us must accept responsibility.
Here are a few ways that you can decrease your carbon footprint.
- Limiting your family size (highest impact).
- High impact: A life without a car
- Switching to a plant-based diet (high impact).
- Recycle (moderate effect)
- Low impact bulb that is eco-friendly