Whether you’re a consumer, a business owner, or a student, there’s a great chance that you’ve heard of CO2 emissions and other environmental issues, but you might not be aware of the full scope of these issues. For instance, did you know that CO2 emissions and other environmental issues are one of the biggest causes of global warming? Or that these issues are also impacting poor and low-income communities? Whether you want to save money, reduce your carbon footprint, or meet regulations, there are ways to do so with the SQM Club. It is a non-profit organization that helps people and companies reduce their CO2 emissions. It provides members with tools to calculate and track their carbon footprints. You can also join campaigns that are designed to decrease your transportation emissions.
Climate change
Across the world, majorities of people believe that climate change is a serious problem. In some countries, this concern is more common than in others. For instance, in China, the share of the public concerned about global warming is less than 20%, while it is more than 70% in Uganda.
For many people, the impact of climate change is felt in their communities. They may have noticed more severe spring storms, more intense wildfires, and even more severe flooding.
Climate change is caused by human activities, primarily through the emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases trap the heat radiation that escapes from the earth’s surface back into space. These gases also warm the oceans. This heat change also contributes to sea level rise.
Impacts on poor and low-income communities
Despite recent progress on carbon inequality, there are still enormous differences between the rich and the poor. Climate change will exacerbate these inequalities. People in poor and low-income communities will be affected the most. Fortunately, there are measures that can be taken to mitigate this problem, including investments in clean energy and low carbon sectors, boosting employment, and reducing air pollution.
The richest one percent of the world’s population accounted for more than half of the global emissions in 1990-2015. They also contributed to more than twice the carbon pollution of the poorest half of the world.
The poorest nations on earth account for less than 15 percent of the global emissions. They are also the least prepared for climate change impacts. To address this, governments must limit carbon emissions. And, they must also help the poorest communities cope with the effects of climate change.
Sources of CO2 emissions in Canada
Among developed nations, Canada ranks as one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide per capita. Agricultural emissions have increased by 24% between 1990 and 2005. These increases are likely due to expansions in the beef cattle, swine, and fertilizer industries.
The agriculture sector is responsible for 8% of the country’s total emissions. Agriculture is the largest source of non-energy emissions in Canada, and the variations in GHG emissions from region to region reflect differences in land use.
In 2005, Canada’s per capita GHG emissions amounted to 23 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per person. This amount was 25% higher than in 1990 and 33% higher than the target set by the Kyoto Protocol.
Natural processes that remove CO2
Various natural processes have the potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Some of these processes have already been employed in the United States. Others are still in the early stages of development. Regardless of their merits, each of these approaches has its limitations.
While carbon removal is a worthy endeavor, the real key to limiting climate change lies in cutting carbon emissions. Achieving this is not as simple as turning off the lights and letting nature take its course. Thankfully, there are a handful of technological and policy solutions available to help. The main ones involve taxation, penalties and incentives. Investing in a few of these strategies could help slow the rate at which our planet warms.
Global GHG emissions grew by 24% between 2005 and 2019
Almost eighty percent of the greenhouse gases generated by human activities come from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and ozone (O3). The impacts of these gases are already having a significant impact on human health, the economy, and the environment.
The United States is the second largest contributor to CO2 emissions. It also has the largest commercial air traffic system in the world. While it has made some progress in the adoption of new cleaner technologies and better energy efficiency practices, it has not been successful in meeting its emissions goals. It is facing criticism from the international community and has an unambitious climate change plan.
UNEP’s expertise in environmental issues
Founded in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the world’s leading environmental authority. It inspires people to improve their quality of life and works with governments to protect the planet. It develops and implements international environmental agreements, supports governments in strengthening their programs, and provides leadership on environmental issues. The programme’s work is guided by global priorities and scientific evidence.
UNEP has seven subprogrammes, each of which works to deliver transformational change. These subprogrammes are Science Policy, Environmental Governance, Chemicals and Pollution Action, Climate Action, Economy, and Post-Conflict and Disaster Management. The programmes address issues such as resource efficiency, mitigation, climate science, sustainable consumption, and climate finance readiness. They also work with civil society and other major groups.
