How Can We Reduce Emissions?

Feature

Written by Sabrina Deparine

Monday, 10 August 2009 11:22

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Country: Asia

When the Kyoto Protocol was signed by 183 states in December of 1997, it served as a binding commitment for them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From then on, emissions became a major concern among nations. People have also become more aware of the unfavorable impacts of emissions not only on the environment but also on the health of the people.

How Can We Reduce Emissions?

Based on the context of Kyoto Protocol and air pollution, emission is defined as a substance discharged into the atmosphere by an internal combustion engine. Carbon dioxide is perhaps the most well-known or common type of emission. Carbon dioxide is naturally present in the air but at levels higher than recommended, carbon dioxide may cause acidosis and adverse effects on calcium phosphorous metabolism which may result to increased calcium deposits in soft tissues. It is also toxic to the heart.

As if the detrimental effects are not alarming enough, in the October 2007 issue of the National Geographic Magazine, scientists have warned that the current carbon dioxide emissions level should be cut by at least half in the next 50 years; otherwise, they fear that this might result to global warming.

In the case of the Philippines, based on 2006 data (the most readily-available) from the United Nations, carbon dioxide emissions is at 68,328 thousand metric tons. This may be lower than the figure for the previous year but still it is alarming because the country ranks 47th in the whole world in terms of carbon emissions.

If the carbon dioxide emissions level in country is not controlled, the possible consequences include drastic rise in temperature; high atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration which may lead to further adverse effects on the environment and on the health of the people; and the requirement for more resources and technological innovations to lower the emissions level.

Hopefully, these brief information may convince you to do your part in stopping or at least, reducing emissions. BiofuelsHub.com brings you some tips or suggestions on how you can minimize carbon dioxide emissions in our atmosphere. Yes, we can contribute to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in our own little ways.