Carbon and Greenhouse Gases: The Hot Issue of Our Lives

The gas CO2 is absolutely essential to life on Earth as we know it. It is the critical part of photosynthesis providing our food and oxygen and it is also vital for balancing the Earth’s atmosphere. Prior to the industrial revolution CO2 levels were pretty stable, but with industry came pollution and an increase in the CO2 concentration. The problem is that CO2 and greenhouse gases trap heat that the sun produces in the Earth’s atmosphere, which in turn means our world becomes hotter.

Many of the CO2 that is emitted by our lifestyle choices, such as cars and power generation, is soaked right back up by the world’s forests and oceans. But they are struggling. The problem now is two-fold: the forests and oceans are starting to become saturated and we are continuing to pump our more CO2 and greenhouse gases. Both of which means we could be reaching a tipping point of the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. This is the very heart of global warming, otherwise known as climate change.

Global Warming 101

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration the electric power sector is the largest source of all energy-related CO2 emissions: “accounting for 40.6 percent” with transportation a close second. But there are people working hard on solutions. The American Energy Independence organization believes that “by recycling CO2, America would be building the technology now for a sustainable hydrocarbon future” and the American Forests are helping people offset carbon emissions through real forest reforestation projects.

“by recycling CO2, America would be building the technology now for a sustainable hydrocarbon future”

(Source: American Energy Independence)

So what can you do to help out?

Try to reduce your emissions of carbon, for example using the car less or less electricity.

Think about what you are buying and choose products that have less packaging. So many resources, and consequently greenhouse gas emissions, go into making consumer goods. Do you really need that new product, could you make do without it?

Think about whether you really need to hop on that plane, can you video call instead?

Plant trees in your garden, volunteer with a local tree-planting group or support a national program for reforestation, such as that run by the American Forests.

Please learn more about global warming, and the decline of the forests. Teach your children and others about the importance of reducing waste, pollution and greenhouse gases.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Carbon and Greenhouse Gases.

Lucy Brake: Writer & Editor

Sharon Haddox: Writer, Editor & Designer
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