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Dec. 5, 2007 Should We Change our Lifestyle to save CO2 Emissions or Not In our times, the world community rouses to the problem of global warming. The gravity of the issue captured world attention; making it to the headlines of various newspapers following the recent Nobel Prize conferred upon the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change). With the award, the Nobel Prize Committee also recognized IPCC’s efforts; it’s research and assessment on climate-change science since 1990. The issue on hands is not new. Scientists have been busy converging on climate change, trying to make people realize its impact on war and peace. Yet the renewed interest stems from the fact that the Nobel Committee has aptly focused on the seriousness of the problem. Understanding Global warming Global warming is not something recent. It has been a concern since last 15,000 years (from the times since last ice age). It is a complex issue involving different environmental factors. In bare terms, to sustain life energy on earth, we all need a comfortable temperature, sufficient heat energy to thrive. It is easy to understand the Green house effect in the context to further learn how the earth heats up. Just like the glass walls in a greenhouse, there are some key gases in the atmosphere that help to sustain heat energy. Imagine the glass wall to be a sheath of gases in the atmosphere; some key gases helping the greenhouse effect are Carbon-dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide, Ozone and Water Vapor. When solar energy reaches earth, these gases help to trap a share of the energy in the form of infrared radiations, which is re-emitted as heat energy towards earth’s surface. Now, scientists claim that due to industrialization, the levels of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere has reached exaggerated levels, disturbing the climatic cycle. Global warming is often associated with climate change, a phenomenon scientists like to use to explain the changes like varying sea levels and melting of ice caps (the polar bear extinction is a classic example of climate change). And, it of course is not good for any of us. Can lifestyle changes help with CO2 emissions? Yes, to an extent. It will definitely help to watch the carbon footprint each of our actions has been producing. It’s impossible to deny the importance of fuel and energy in everyday life. However, it is not difficult to improve our habits and reinstate with "ecological” ones. Curbing energy consumption is certainly one of the easiest ways to help reduce CO2 emissions. Also, we can create a level of consciousness to help the world move towards a low-carbon future. As conscientious individuals, we have the choice to adopt easy and effective conservation methods. Simple changes like switching off bulbs and fans when not in use, and unplugging any unused electrical appliances (well, plugged appliances continue to use energy even when they are turned off) can help us save energy. Similarly, there are number of ways and proven lifestyle habits that can help conserve energy like using less hot water, avoiding unnecessary gadgets, even getting back to basics like hanging clothes on a clothesline instead of drying them in machines. Not only will it save energy, it will also save you hefty bills. Again, carpooling can not only help in saving fuel, but also prove beneficial for health. Walking and biking have their life-long health benefits, so the switch involves lifestyle changes to adopt healthy habits, and not just energy conservation! Another way to save energy is using fluorescent and energy-efficient lighting, instead of yellow light bulbs that consume about 60 per cent more electricity (fuel, again!). For avid supporters, conserving energy may mean turning to hybrid cars that are fuel-efficient, and some that also neutralize carbon emissions. Using recycled paper and office supplies, sticking to eco-friendly, recyclable furniture and building ‘eco-friendly’ homes and adopting a lifestyle that asserts ‘’green living’’ may also help. On a higher perspective, the move could engage shifting from fossil fuel dependencies toward more renewable, clean energy sources at home and offices. For now, tiny steps every day can help to save energy and shape a secure future for generations to come. ------------ About the author: Ninami Wanjari is a lawyer-turned-writer from India with avid interest in photography, dancing (Indian classical), and traveling. Apart from fulfilling a creative career in Internet writing for different web-based companies from India and abroad, she loves to pen on socio-legal and green issues in her free time. You can get in touch with her for quality writing services. Website: www.travelpundits.in Email: ninami@vsnl.net Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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