Thick clouds of grey smog hanging above cities are the most obvious form of air pollution we know. The culprits of this pollution fiasco we see in the sky, are typically coming from our standard vehicles and factories. However, what about the unseen gases? What about the poison seeping into our atmosphere from alternative sources?
For instance, recent articles in The Guardian and Bloomberg, regarding greenhouse gases. It appears these articles concluded that since 14% of Co2 (which likely they substituted for greenhouse gases) comes from agriculture and 13% of Co2 comes from transportation, then it should be politically correct to say that giving up eating beef is more effective to address carbon emissions, versus just giving up your gasoline powered vehicle.
Alternatively, giving up beef and/or consuming less of it would aid in healing Mother Earth. Similarly, there would be less meat to produce; which would mean less air pollution from factories, less energy consumption and fewer trips to transport goods.
Sadly, The Guardian and Bloomberg failed to reveal all the influences that make up greenhouse gases. Instead of utilizing scientific charts and graphs to properly expose facts in its entirety, given the facts on hand, it is apparent the writers replace Co2 as the ONLY part of what comprises greenhouse gases.
Also, it is apparent the writers failed to discuss the entire scope of transmission; which includes all of the gases and only contains a portion of greenhouse gases. Instead, they fixated on Co2; which is very common amongst novices and/or those who misinterpret greenhouse gases. By failing to conduct proper research on the subject, these articles leave readers with questionable and inaccurate information; consequently, guiding many of us to misuse our earthly resources and unknowingly create more air pollution.
What exactly are greenhouse gases? Greenhouse gases are actually the sum of various gases and many have a devastating effect on our ozone layer, causing it to deteriorate. Therefore, like a domino effect, it leads to a much bigger issue—global warming.
T
he four main greenhouse gases you should be aware of are: carbon dioxide (Co2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Fluorinated gases.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2)
Carbon Dioxide is the largest and most common, but not the only emission contributor of greenhouse gases. According to the EPA, “Co2 makes up 57% of greenhouse-gas emissions and with the use of fossil fuels by humans being, it is the leading cause of Co2 emissions.” One contributing factor of Co2, besides the use of fossil fuel for gasoline powered vehicles, includes 17% from deforestation and/or cutting down trees and not replacing them. Mainly this occurs in countries predominantly in Africa, South East Asia and the Caribbean. The largest percentage of fossil-fuel emissions (26%) comes from burning coal, gas and oil for our energy supply.
Methane (CH4)
Methane gas accounts for 9% of all greenhouse gases and comes from agricultural activities (animal waste, digestion gases, etc.), energy use and waste management. Methane, along with Nitrous Oxide, is more lethal than Co2, because of its heat-trapping abilities. But, the percentage of its heat-trapping abilities is much less in comparison to Co2. By removing the impact CH4 has on the environment, its effect lingers in our atmosphere for about 12 years; compared to the higher concentration of Co2, which impacts our planet for a staggering 100 years!
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
N2O is naturally present in nature. For example, think about the breakdown of animal waste. However, synthetic fertilizer use from agricultural activities is the main cause for destructive N2O emissions, causing 6% of all greenhouse gases to derive from nitrous oxide. N2O is also emitted through the burning of fossil fuels and can linger in our atmosphere for about 120 years.
Fluorinated Gases (F-gases)
F-gases make up a small, but important, 1% of greenhouse transmissions. F-gases are released through refrigeration, industrial processes and by using certain consumer products. The three types of F-gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
Now that you understand the holistic effects of greenhouse gases, consider helping to reduce its impact on our environment. Also, be sure to tune in next week! We will discuss the effects of individual emissions on the planet. Yes, each of us gives off emissions! Do you know h