Reduction of Carbon Footprint

One of the most significant contributors to global climate change is the increasing emission of carbon into the atmosphere and environment. The focus on reducing the carbon footprint encompasses all sectors including international economics, politics, and the environment. Alternative clean sources of energy reduce the rate of carbon emissions. Diversity in using renewable energy will lead to the mitigation of climate change through the reduction of carbon level. The introduction of carbon fees and dividends environmental policy can lower carbon emissions and hold entities accountable for the carbon pollution they cause. The use of alternative transportation means to reduce the carbon footprint is needed. Afforestation and reforestation are essential in the reduction of air pollution since plants act like carbon sinks.

Introduction

Climate change has become a major global concern. One of the most significant contributors to global climate change is the increasing emission of carbon into the atmosphere and the environment (Woodland Trust, 2005). Carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of gas emissions directly or indirectly released into the atmosphere that have accumulated over time in the environment (Woodland Trust, 2005). This may be in the life stage of a product used or service rendered. Carbon footprint is expressed in the equivalent of carbon dioxide. Though there are numerous greenhouse gases, only Carbon dioxide (CO2), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Methane (CH4), Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) are considered when accounting for the carbon footprint (Spinellis & Louridas, 2013). The increase in the world’s population coupled with daily human activities such as the use of fossil fuels as energy sources for transportation, heating and electricity, deforestation, and industrialization has led to an increase in greenhouse emissions (Woodland Trust, 2005). The continued need to provide energy for the growing population has become a detrimental challenge in the reduction of the carbon footprint.

Effectively reducing the rate of carbon emissions has become a necessity to deal with the global climate change. This focus encompasses all sectors including international economics, politics, and the environment (Woodland Trust, 2005). Understanding the mechanisms and influences that lead to increased carbon emissions plays a vital role in the reduction of carbon footprint. Clean and renewable energy (as fossil fuel alternatives), carbon fees and dividends policy, as well as afforestation and reforestation, are essential elements in the reduction of the carbon footprint.

Measures to Mitigate Carbon Footprint

Finding alternative clean sources of energy to fossil fuels can reduce the rate of carbon emissions globally. Over the last decade, several techniques have been put in place to harness clean power and reduce the use of fossil-based energy. Several countries have come together to propose legislative laws and policies on the use of fossil energy (Førsund, 2015). Renewable sources of energy are an alternative to fossil fuels. Clean, renewable sources of energy like geothermal, solar, bioenergy, hydroelectric, and wind energy are essential in the reduction of carbon emissions. Though already in use, these sources have not been fully exploited (Førsund, 2015). Developing renewable sources of energy has become a primary objective for most countries formulating policies and legislation that economically and environmentally favor their use. To use hydroelectric energy, large turbines are placed at the lower ends of the water reservoirs like dams where they are rotated by moving water that produces electricity (Førsund, 2015). Similarly, wind energy uses the same principle as that of hydropower: turbines convert wind energy into electricity. The use of hydroelectric power has been one of the primary sources of electrical energy all over the world (Førsund, 2015). Other renewable sources such as wind, geothermal and solar energy only recently started being exploited in small regions of the world. Another alternative to fossil fuel is bioenergy. The use of bioenergy offers a vast array of opportunities in the mitigation of carbon emission. Bioenergy is derived from the decomposition and degradation of the bio-waste material. Biofuels like biogas can be exploited in the production of electricity and heating systems, which are mostly used in the private sectors and households (Spunellis & Louridas, 2013). Biodiesel synthesized from bio-waste can be used as a transportation fuel, which could lead to a rapid reduction of carbon footprint.

Introduction of carbon fee and dividends environmental policy is recommended by economists as a market-based mechanism for curbing climate change related to human activities (Førsund, 2015). The carbon fee is a tariff charged based on the amount of carbon emitted by an entity or industry. Carbon dividends are the revenue allocated to entities affected by carbon emission (Førsund, 2015). The carbon fee is usually imposed on the carbon emissions produced by a certain entity. Carbon-intensive goods imported or exported are subjected to a border carbon adjustment (BCA). The adjustment restricts business entities from migrating to more lenient governments; this encourages other countries to adopt similar pricing on carbon. Implementation of the carbon fee and dividends policy harbors tremendous benefits: carbon taxes encourage producers to invest in clean technologies to curb their carbon footprints (Woodland Trust, 2005). Furthermore, more dividends paid to the people ensure they can afford clean energy and environmentally friendly technologies.

Afforestation and reforestation are essential in the reduction of air pollution. In 2014, energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 50 million metric tons (Kreidenweis et al., 2016). Trees are essential in reducing the unprecedented levels of CO2. Trees and vegetation reabsorb CO2, which is used in photosynthesis. After photosynthesis, plants accumulate carbon in form of sugars, which are used to produce energy; excess carbon is stored. Plants act like carbon sinks, with trees and shrubs storing carbon for extended periods of time (IPCC, 2000). From 1990-2015, 204.9 Tgs of carbon have been stored every year in the US forests giving a total of 90,000 Tg of US forest carbon stock (Kreidenweis et al., 2016). Afforestation has been proven to be effective due to the combination of the carbon sequestration and albedo change, which result in the cooling of the environment preventing global warming (IPCC, 2000). Establishment of 100 million trees around the US residential areas should result in an annual saving of $2 billion in energy cost ultimately bringing down the carbon footprint (Kreidenweis et al., 2016). Introduction of carbon reduction prizes is suggested as an incentive to promote afforestation and ensure that the forest area increases substantially in all regions.

Counter-Argument

Though beneficial in mitigating the carbon footprint, these measures are also faced with challenges. The infrastructure required to harness renewable energy is financially intensive. Building of hydroelectric plants, solar and wind farms requires a lot of monetary investment (Førsund, 2015). This is a considerable challenge, especially in developing countries that might not have enough financial resources to set on the projects and plants. The use of bioenergy still generates greenhouse emissions like carbon dioxide and methane gas (Spinellis & Louridas, 2013). Wind harnessing plants also pose a significant risk to birds and low flying aircraft. Another challenge is the implementation of carbon fee policies in different countries. The difference in governance and policies creates a challenge in the standardization of carbon fee policies (Woodland Trust, 2005). This disparity can be seen clearly in the difference in carbon taxation in developed and developing countries. Developing countries have more lenient policies, which encourage carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Carbon taxes also cripple the economy by lowering the production of goods (Woodland Trust, 2005). A huge problem facing afforestation is the increased pressure on arable land between forest and agricultural production which impacts negatively on food production. This leads to a surge in food prices. Large-scale afforestation is also dependent on the availability of land and its geolocation (Kreidenweis et al., 2016). However, the benefits of these measures far outweigh the challenges and disadvantages. These measures offer opportunities both economic and political. These mitigation measures create energy and economic independence for any state. They also create job opportunities in the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure and technology.

Conclusion

The need to reduce greenhouse emissions will play a huge role in the reduction of the carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide emissions are influenced by political, economic, social, and infrastructural development. One of the biggest challenges is the rising need for energy, which has pushed the use of fossil fuels. The need to use alternative and renewable sources of energy can significantly lower greenhouse emissions globally. The government needs to formulate policies advocating for the use of renewable energy. Another solution to curb carbon emissions is the formulation and implementation of carbon fees and carbon dividend policies. Carbon fees assist in holding entities accountable for their active carbon emissions. This leads to the adoption of green technology that is environmentally friendly. It is also essential for the development and investment of public transportation which will reduce the number of motor vehicles on roads, reducing emission. Finally, afforestation and reforestation play a considerable role in reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Plants and trees act as carbon sinks that store up carbon as well as provide shade and cool the environment.