➔Air Pollution
➔Types of Pollutants
➔Effects of Air pollution
➔Methods to reduce Air Pollution
➔Water Pollution
➔Sources of Water Pollution
➔Causes of Water Pollution
➔Methods to reduce water pollution
➔Zero Waste Concept
➔Climate Change
➔Ozone Layer depletion
➔Carbon credit
➔Carbon Tax
➔Carbon footprint
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings or cause damage to the climate or to materials. There are different types of air pollutants, such as gases, particulates, and biological molecules.
Types of Pollutants
In order to understand the causes of Air pollution, several divisions can be made. Primarily air
pollutants can be caused by primary sources or secondary sources. The pollutants that are a direct result of the process can be called primary pollutants. A classic example of a primary pollutant would be the sulfur dioxide Emission from factories Secondary pollutants are the ones that are caused by the intermingling and reactions of primary pollutants. Smog created by the interactions of several primary pollutants is known to be a secondary pollutant.
Causes of Air pollution
Burning of Fossil Fuels: Sulfur dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and other factory combustibles is one of the major causes of air pollution. Pollution emitting from vehicles including trucks, jeeps, cars, trains, airplanes causes an immense amount of pollution. We rely on them to fulfill our daily basic needs of transportation. But, their overuse is killing our environment as dangerous gases are polluting the environment. Carbon Monoxide caused by improper or incomplete combustion and generally emitted from vehicles is another major pollutant along with Nitrogen Oxides, which is produced from both natural and man-made processes.
Agricultural activities: Ammonia is a very common by-product of agriculture-related activities and is one of the most hazardous gases in the atmosphere. The use of insecticides, pesticides, and fertilizers in agricultural activities has grown quite a lot. They emit harmful chemicals into the air and can also cause water pollution.
Exhaust from factories and industries: Manufacturing industries release a large amount of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and chemicals into the air thereby depleting the quality of air. Manufacturing industries can be found at every corner of the earth and there is no area that has not been affected by it. Petroleum refineries also release hydrocarbons and various other chemicals that pollute the air and also cause land pollution.
Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using large
equipment. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive air pollution.
This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health conditions of workers and
nearby residents.Indoor air pollution: Household cleaning products, painting supplies emit toxic chemicals in the air and cause air pollution. Suspended particulate matter popular by its acronym SPM, is another cause ofpollution. Referring to the particles afloat in the air, SPM is usually caused by dust, combustion etc.
Effects of Air pollution
Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are alarming. They are known to create
several respiratory and heart conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body. Several million are known to have died due to direct or indirect effects of Air pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.
Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate alterations that the world is witnessing due
to Global warming. With increased temperatures worldwide, increase in sea levels and melting of ice
from colder regions and icebergs, displacement and loss of habitat have already signaled an impending
disaster if actions for preservation and normalization aren’t undertaken soon.
Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides are released into the atmosphere
during the burning of fossil fuels. When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants,
become acidic, and then fall on the ground in the form of acid rain. Acid rain can cause great damage
to humans, animals, and crops.
Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic
chemicals present in the air can force wildlife species to move to new places and change their habitat.
The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water and can also affect aquatic organisms.
Depletion of the Ozone layer: Ozone exists in the earth’s stratosphere and is responsible for protecting humans
from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Earth’s ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. A thin ozone layer allows the passage
of harmful UV rays onto the earth and can cause skin and eye-related problems. UV rays also have the
capability to affect crops
Methods to reduce Air Pollution
Use the public mode of transportation: Encourage people to use more and more public modes of
transportation to reduce pollution. Also, try to make use of carpooling. If you and your colleagues come
from the same locality and have the same timings you can use the same vehicle at a time to save energy and
money.
Conserve energy: Switch off fans and lights when you are going out. A large number of fossil fuels are
burnt to produce electricity. We can save the environment from degradation by reducing the number of
fossil fuels to be burned.
Understand the concept of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Do not throw away items that are of no use.
In fact, reuse them for some other purpose or recycle them to produce new products.
Emphasis on clean energy resources: Clean energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal are
utilized effectively these days. Governments of various countries have been providing grants to
consumers who are interested in installing solar panels for their homes. This will go a long way to curb
air pollution.
Use energy-efficient devices: CFL lights consume less electricity than their counterparts. They
live longer, consume less electricity, lower electricity bills and also help you to reduce pollution by
consuming less energy.
Monitor Air quality in industry periodically to identify irregularities in pollutants level in the air and keep
pollutant level within limits.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies(e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, and groundwater). This
form of environmental degradation occurs when pollutants are directly or indirectly discharged into water
bodies without adequate treatment to remove harmful compounds.
Sources of Water Pollution
There are various classifications of water pollution. The two chief sources of water pollution can be seen
as Point and Non-Point.
Point refers to the pollutants that belong to a single source. An example of this would be emissions from
factories into the water.
Non-Point on the other hand means pollutants emitted from multiple sources. Contaminated water after rains
that has traveled through several regions may also be considered as a Nonpoint source of pollution.
Causes of Water Pollution
Industrial waste: Industries produce a huge amount of waste that contains toxic chemicals and
pollutants which can cause air pollution and damage to us and our environment. They contain pollutants
such as lead, mercury, sulfur, nitrates, and many other harmful chemicals. Many industries do not have
a proper waste management system and drain the waste in the fresh water which goes into rivers, canals, and later into the sea. The toxic chemicals have the capability to change the color of water, increase the
number of minerals, also known as Eutrophication, change the temperature of the water, and pose a serious
hazard to water organisms.
Sewage and wastewater: The sewage and wastewater that is produced by each household are
chemically treated and released into the sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries harmful bacteria
and chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Pathogens are known as common water
pollutants. Microorganisms in water are known to be causes of some very deadly diseases and become
the breeding grounds for other creatures that act as carriers. These carriers inflict these diseases via
various forms of contact onto an individual. Eg:- Malaria.
Mining activities: Mining is the process of crushing rock and extracting coal and other minerals
from underground. These elements when extracted in the raw form contain harmful chemicals and can
increase the number of toxic elements when mixed up with water which may result in health problems.
Mining activities emit many metal waste and sulfides from the rocks and get mixed with water.
Marine dumping: The garbage produce by each household in the form of paper, aluminum, rubber,
glass, plastic, food, etc are sometimes deposited into water bodies.. These items take 2 weeks to 200
years to decompose. When such items enter the sea, they not only cause water pollution but also harm
aquatic organisms.
Accidental Oil leakage: Oil spill pose a huge concern as a large amount of oil enters the sea and
does not dissolve with water; thereby opens problem for local marine wildlife such as fish, birds, and sea
otters. For e.g.: a ship carrying a large quantity of oil may spill oil if met with an accident and can cause
varying damage to species in the ocean depending on the quantity of oil spill, size of the ocean, the toxicity of
pollutant.
Burning of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels like coal and oil when burnt produce a substantial amount of ash in
the atmosphere. The particles which contain toxic chemicals when mixed with water vapor result in acid
rain.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides: Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used by farmers to protect
crops from insects and bacterias. They are useful for the plant's growth. However, when these chemicals
are mixed up with water produce harmful for plants and animals. Also, when it rains, the chemicals
mix up with rainwater and flow down into rivers and canals which pose serious damages for aquatic
animals.
Leakage from sewer lines: A small leakage from the sewer lines can contaminate the underground
water and make it unfit for people to drink. Also, when not repaired on time, the leaking water can
come onto the surface and become a breeding ground for insects and mosquitoes.
Radioactive waste: Nuclear energy is produced using nuclear fission or fusion. The element that is used
in the production of nuclear energy is Uranium which is a highly toxic chemical. The nuclear waste that is
produced by radioactive material needs to be disposed of off to prevent any nuclear accident. Nuclear
waste can have serious environmental hazards if not disposed of properly. Few major accidents have
already taken place in Russia and Japan.
Urban development: As the population has grown, so has the demand for housing, food, and cloth. As more
cities and towns are developed, they have resulted in increased use of fertilizers to produce more food,
soil erosion due to deforestation, increase in construction activities, inadequate sewer collection and
treatment, landfills as more garbage is produced, increase in chemicals from industries to produce more
materials.
Leakage from the landfills: Landfills are nothing but a huge pile of garbage that produces an awful smell
and can be seen across the city. When it rains, the landfills may leak and the leaking landfills can pollute
the underground water with a large variety of contaminants.
Animal waste: The waste produce by animals has washed away into the rivers when it rains. It
gets mixed up with other harmful chemicals and causes various water-borne diseases like cholera,
diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery, and typhoid.
Underground storage leakage: Transportation of coal and other petroleum products through
underground pipes is well known. Accidentals leakage may happen anytime and may cause damage to
the environment and result in soil erosion.
Methods to reduce water pollution
Sewage treatments: The household water should be treated properly so that they become
environmentally safe. Adequate care should be taken to ensure that an effective sewage treatment process is
in place and that contaminated water does not get mixed with the environment. in order to prevent water
pollution, human and animal excreta should be prevented from mixing with its sources. Construction of
pit toilets and proper sewage treatments can offer some solution to this problem.
Prevent river water to get polluted: The flowing water of the river cannot be cleaned easily by natural
process. Since a large number of external substances are discharged into the water, the river water
becomes polluted. This may cause diseases to the people using river water. Thus, every effort should be
made to prevent the river water to get contaminated. People should not be allowed to throw wastes into
the river water.
Treatment of wastes before discharge: Factories are expected to treat their effluent wastes prior to
discharge. Toxic material must be treated chemically and converted into harmless materials. If possible,
factories should try to recycle the treated water.
Strict adherence to water laws: Laws and legislation relating to pollution should be strictly followed
by all.
Treatment of drainage water: In cities, a huge amount of water is put into drains every day. The water
that flows through the city drainage system should be properly treated. Harmful pollutants must be
removed before they are introduced into reservoirs.
Treatment plants: Big cities and towns usually have effluent treatment plants. These plants filter out
undissolved materials. Chemical treatment is also given to separate out unwanted dissolved chemicals.
The treated water is either allowed to go into the water reservoirs or refused in houses. Occasionally, the
treated water is used for farming if the fields to be irrigated lie in the vicinity of the water treatment
plants.
Routine cleaning: Ponds, lakes, and wells meant for human use should be routinely cleaned and treated,
so that it remains fit for human use. It is an essential step that should not be avoided. A system of regular
testing of pond and lake water can be introduced to ensure the safety of the water.
Self-hygiene: Self-hygiene must be maintained and drinking water must not be polluted. Drinking water
should be kept undercover in a clean place. One should not put his hands into the drinking water
containers. Also, the practice of cleaning the drinking water reservoirs on a regular basis needs to be
strictly followed. The water meant for drinking should be purified prior to use. In the absence of a good
water purifier, it is recommended to drink boiled water.
Sanitation: The sanitation system must be improved. The benefits of cleanliness on human health need to be
understood. Human contact with hazardous materials should be prevented.
Public Awareness: Common public should be aware of the effect of water pollution. Voluntary
organizations should go door-to-door to educate people about environmental problems. They should
perform street plays for creating awareness about the environment. They should run environmental
education centers. Students can impart health education to enable people to prevent water pollution
Zero Waste Concept
Zero Waste Concept is a philosophy that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused and no wastes will be produced. The process recommended is similar to the way that resources are reused in nature.
Zero Waste concept requires:-
- Designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials,
- conserving and recovering all resources,
- investment in community waste reduction and recovery systems
- Public participation in recycling.
- Eliminate all discharges to land, water, or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal, or plant health.
- Adopting 3R concepts ( reduce, reuse, recycle)
- Acquiring waste to energy technologies.
Benefits proposed include:
- Saving money---Since waste is a sign of inefficiency, the reduction of waste can reduce costs.
- Faster Progress-- A zero waste strategy improves upon production processes and improving environmental prevention strategies which can lead to taking larger, more innovative steps.
- Supports sustainability---A zero waste strategy supports all three of the generally accepted goals of sustainability - economic well-being, environmental protection, and social well-being.
- Improved material flows-- A zero waste strategy would use far fewer new raw materials and send no waste materials to landfills. Any material waste would either return as reusable or recycled materials or would be suitable for use as compost.
3R Concept of waste management
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (R3) are the three essential components of environmentally-responsible consumer behavior.
Reduce
- Lower the consumption of products through hiring, sharing, borrowing
- Reduce the number of components in product design
- Minimize wastes.
Here's how the 3R might apply to computers:
- The concept behind the first R, reduce, is that you should limit the number of purchases that you make in the first place. So, for example, you might limit your household to a single computer.
- The concept behind the second R, reuse, is that you should reuse items as much as possible before replacing them. For example, it generally makes more environmental sense to update your computer rather than get rid of it and buy a new one. However, if you do replace your computer, you should ensure that it, or its components, are reused. Many charitable organizations welcome donations of second-hand computers.
- The concept behind the third R, recycle, is that you should ensure that items or their components are put to
- some new purpose or create something new as much as possible. If your computer is not fit for reuse, you
- can donate it to one of several organizations, which will refurbish it or recycle its electronic components to
- manufacture new electronic devices.
Advantages of 3R
- Protects the environment and natural resources.
- Reduces energy consumption
- Reduces pollution, global warming, etc
- Reduces waste generation
- Creates jobs at recycling sites.
Waste Management Hierarchy:
The waste management hierarchy is a nationally and internationally accepted guide for prioritizing waste management practices.
Green House Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that refers to the rise in temperature of the earth due to the presence of certain greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc) in the atmosphere. These gases are transparent to the incoming ultraviolet solar radiations but trap the outgoing infrared radiations, reflected back from the earth’s surface. If these gases were not present, the annual average temperature of the earth would be much lower( -18 0 C) than they are now( 15 0 C). But the excess amount of greenhouse gases will create problems. An excess amount of greenhouse gases will create excess hot conditions all over the earth.
Global Warming
Global Warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to the presence of the excess amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, etc which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
Releasing 1 kg of methane is equivalent to releasing 25 kgs of CO 2Releasing 1 kg of nitrous oxide is equivalent to releasing 298 kgs of CO 2
Global Warming is caused by :
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Refrigerants and air conditioners release CFC
- Deforestation – carbon dioxide intake is reduced when forests are cut down.
- Methane emission occurs due to anaerobic decomposition at huge landfills.
- Methane emission from livestock (animal farm)
Global Warming Impacts
- Rising Seas--- inundation of freshwater marshlands (the everglades), low-lying cities, and islands with seawater.
- Changes in rainfall patterns --- droughts and fires in some areas, flooding in other areas.
- Increased likelihood of extreme events--- such as flooding, hurricanes, etc.
- Melting of the ice caps --- loss of habitat near the poles. Polar bears are now thought to be greatly endangered by the shortening of their feeding season due to dwindling ice packs.
- Melting glaciers - significant melting of old glaciers is already observed.
- Widespread vanishing of animal populations --- following widespread habitat loss.
- Spread of disease --- migration of diseases such as malaria to new, now warmer, regions.
- Bleaching of Coral Reefs due to warming seas and acidification due to carbonic acid formation --- One-third of coral reefs now appear to have been severely damaged by warming seas.
Measures to control global warming
- Promote renewable energy usage (solar energy, wind energy, etc)
- Depend more on public transport system to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
- Afforestation and reforestation
- Adopt the 3R concept whenever possible.
- Reduce energy consumption at the home, office, etc
Climate Change
Climate change refers to a change in average weather conditions, that exists for an extended period of time. Many frequent changes in climate had occurred on our earth. A number of natural factors like continental drift, earth’s tilt, ocean currents, etc were responsible for such climatic changes. Recently, many anthropogenic (originating in human activity) causes have led to alarming variations in climatic patterns all over the world.
These include:-
- Increase in the usage of fossil fuels: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas ) are used as energy sources all over the world. The burning of fossil fuels produces CO 2, which spreads into the atmosphere leading to global warming and an increase in temperature.
- Deforestation: When trees are cut down on a large scale, the amount of atmospheric CO 2 increases, leading to global warming and an increase in temperature.
- Population growth, urbanization, and the industrial revolution: More and more needs of the people have to be satisfied for which cities were developed and industries were set up on a large scale. All these have led to an increase in the number of greenhouse gases resulting in global climatic changes.
Effects of climatic change
- Increase in global surface temperature: climatic changes lead to an increase in temperature levels all over the world and thereby disturbing the balance of the whole ecosystem.
- Changes in climate can put pressure on the whole natural system, leading to ecological imbalance.
- Melting of glaciers: It leads to a rise in sea levels
- Ocean acidification: oceans absorb CO 2 into the atmosphere, making them more acidic.
- Availability of freshwater decreases.
- Changes in rainfall patterns (high and low rainfall) may occur.
- Occurrence of drought, heatwaves, and flood.
- Breeding patterns, migration patterns, and the entire life cycle of plants and animals are disturbed due to climatic change.
- Climatic change will increase the distribution of mosquitoes, bugs, etc leading to diseases like malaria, dengue fever, etc
Control measures
- Promote renewable energy usage(solar energy, wind energy etc)
- Depend more on public transport system to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
- Afforestation and reforestation
- Adopt the 3R concept whenever possible.
- Reduce energy consumption at the home, office, etc
Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone layer is a deep layer in earth’s atmosphere that contains ozone which is a naturally occurring molecule containing three oxygen atoms. These ozone molecules form a gaseous layer in the Earth’s upper atmosphere called stratosphere. This lower region of stratosphere containing relatively higher concentration of ozone is called Ozonosphere. The ozonosphere is found 15-35 km (9 to 22 miles) above the surface of the earth. The ozone layer forms a thick layer in stratosphere, encircling the earth, which has large amount of ozone in it. It protects our planet from the harmful UV radiations. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson. The ozone layer has the capability to absorb almost 97-99% of the harmful ultraviolet radiations that sun emits and which can produce long term devastating effects on human beings as well as plants and animals.
Ultraviolet radiation can destroy organic matter. For humans, excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to higher risks of cancer (especially skin cancer) and cataracts. It is calculated that every 1 percent decrease in the ozone layer results in a 2-5 percent increase in the occurrence of skin cancer. Other ill-effects of the reduction of the protective ozone layer include – increase in the incidence of cataracts, sunburns, and suppression of the immune system.
Human activities had resulted in a considerable reduction in the ozone layer of the atmosphere. Ozone depletion occurs when the destruction of the stratospheric ozone is more than the production of the molecule. Scientists have observed a reduction in stratospheric ozone since the early 1970s. It was found to be more prominent in Polar Regions.
Man-made causes for ozone layer depletion:
The main reason for the depletion of ozone is determined as excessive release of chlorine and bromine from man-made compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), halons, CH3CCl3 (Methyl chloroform), CCl4 (Carbon tetrachloride), HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons), hydro Bromo fluorocarbons, and methyl bromide are found to have a direct impact on the depletion of the ozone layer. These are categorized as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Chlorofluorocarbons are released into the atmosphere from:
- Cleaning Agents
- Air conditioning
- Coolants in refrigerators
- Aerosol spray cans etc.
The problem with the Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) is that they are not washed back in the form of rain on the earth and in fact remain in the atmosphere for quite a long time. With so much stability, they are transported into the stratosphere. The emission of ODS accounts for roughly 90% of the total depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. These gases are carried to the stratosphere layer of the atmosphere where ultraviolet radiations from the sun break them to release chlorine (from CFCs) and bromine (from methyl bromide and halons). The chlorine and bromine free radicals react with ozone molecules and destroy their molecular structure, thus depleting the ozone layer.
- Halogen molecules in CFC‘s ( CFCl 3 ) are converted into an active free radical by photochemical decomposition:CFCl 3 + hv -> CFCl 2 + Cl- This chlorine reacts with ozone, and as a result chlorine monoxide and oxygen are formed:Cl + O 3 ->ClO + O 2- Chlorine Monoxide reacts with nascent oxygen ( formed by the decomposition of ozone) to form chlorine again.O 3 + hv O 2 + O ->O + ClO O 2 + Cl
-Chlorine again reacts with ozone and this cycle continues. One chlorine atom can break more than 1, 00,000 molecules of ozone. Bromine atom is believed to be 40 times more destructive than chlorine molecules. The implementation of the Montreal Protocol in the year 1987 has helped to reduce the presence of ODS in the atmosphere. Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion.
Carbon credit
A carbon credit (often called a carbon offset) is a financial instrument or permit representing the right to emit one tonne of CO 2 (carbon dioxide) or CO2 e (carbon dioxide equivalent gases) into the atmosphere. It represents the amount of GHG s removed or reduced from the atmosphere from an emission reduction project. This carbon credit can be used by governments, industries, or private individuals to offset the damaging carbon emissions that they are generating. Thus carbon credits are used as a permit to emit a certain amount of CO 2 into the atmosphere. So, in a nutshell, carbon credit (often called carbon offset) is a credit for greenhouse emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere from an emission reduction project, which can be used, by governments, industry, or private individuals to compensate for the emissions they are generating. One carbon credit corresponds to one tonne of CO 2.
Carbon credits are acquired through:-
- Project-based transactions--- credits are acquired as a result of successful implementation of carbon reduction projects. For eg:- If a private organization has successfully implemented an afforestation project and if it is found to have reduced carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, then that private company can acquire carbon credits equivalent to their reduction levels.
- Allowance based transactions ---Regulatory authority issues allowances or permits to industries. If one carbon credit is issued to an industry, it means that they can emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or equivalent.
Carbon trading:
It refers to buying and selling of carbon credits that have been either distributed by a regulatory authority or generated by GHG emissions reduction projects. In cap & trade mechanism, a regulatory authority limits (cap) the amount of GHG to be released over a period of time. If organizations have a shortfall or surplus in GHG allowances, they can engage in trade with each other.
Carbon credits are typically measured in tonnes of CO 2 -equivalents (or CO 2 e) and are bought and sold through a number of international brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms. Businesses that find it hard to comply with the carbon emissions, purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions by making finance readily available to renewable energy projects, forest protection, and reforestation projects around the world. These renewable energy and energy efficiency projects replace fossil fuel and industrial processes.
This all helps businesses in mitigating their emissions and compliance with global standards. Offsetting one tonne of carbon means there will be one less tonne of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than there would otherwise have been. For e.g.: when solar energy companies sell carbon offsets, this helps them as these projects become more viable. The buyers of the credits benefit as they can use these credits to overcome their greenhouse gas emissions. Many types of activities can generate carbon offsets. Projects which acquire carbon credits include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass projects which replace fossil fuel-powered plants, low-cost household device projects that can eliminate the need for extra energy, methane capture from landfill gas and agriculture, different afforestation projects, forest protection from illegal logging, destruction of heat-trapping greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and many more.
Carbon Tax
A carbon dioxide tax is a tax on businesses and industries that produce carbon dioxide through their operations.
The tax is designed to reduce the output of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide. The tax is imposed with the goal of environmental protection.
Carbon footprint
It is a measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions that are
directly and indirectly caused by an activity, individual, organization, etc.
In other words: When you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which
creates a certain amount of CO 2, depending on its fuel consumption and
the driving distance. When you heat your house with oil, gas, or coal, then
you also generate CO 2. Even if you use electricity, the generation of the
electrical power may also have emitted a certain amount of CO 2 (thermal
power plants). When you buy food and goods, the production of the food
and goods also emitted some quantities of CO 2. Your carbon footprint is
the sum of all emissions of CO 2 (carbon dioxide), which were induced by
your activities in a given time frame.
Each of us contributes to the greenhouse gas emissions either by the way
we travel, the food we eat, the amount of electricity we consume, and
many more. Every individual, organization, business unit, etc should focus
to reduce their carbon footprints.
(i)Primary footprint—direct emission of carbon dioxide as in the case ofburning of fossil fuels(ii)Secondary footprint --- indirect emissions associated with the manufacture of aproduct
Main Contributors to Carbon Footprint
- Population – more people lead to more carbon emission
- Energy – Here, carbon footprint emissions are collective, coming from a variety of sources, namely industrial processes, transport, and electricity and fuel emissions.
- Industrialization – Since the industrial revolution began during the middle of the twentieth century, CO2 has continued to rise unchecked and at alarming rates.
- Agriculture – Most agricultural processes within developed and developing nations are still being carried out commercially with the result that mass production of livestock has led to large levels of methane gas being released into the atmosphere.
- Human action (and inaction) – Ultimately, the way humankind has become accustomed to doing things every day, keeping pace with the need to do things more quickly and with more convenience, has contributed towards the exponential increase in carbon footprints on an annual basis.
Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Energy efficiency at home – All appliances that are not being used must be switched off immediately. And all electrical outlets not in use must also be switched off. Hot-water geysers should be switched off for the entire day and only turned on when needed. These are simple, yet practical lifestyle habits that are easy to adopt.
- Buy renewable energy – It is quite possible to power your own home with environmentally- sustainable alternatives of energy production without compromising your lifestyle and waiting for national grids to be connected via green energy supply sources. For instance, technology is now available for you to install your own solar power panels.
- Recycle and re-use – Vegetable produce can be converted into compost (or manure) for gardens, even vegetable gardens. Instead of buying more food containers, plastic containers sourced from the supermarket can be refashioned as ideal kitchen utensils. Also, where plastic waste is no longer required, seek out recycling depots rather than relying on your supplied garbage disposal units.
- Plant a Tree – One of the best ways to give it back to the environment is to plant trees. Plants absorb CO 2 and release oxygen that is then used by humans and animals. According to the Urban Forestry Network, a single young tree absorbs 13 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
- Buy local – Adding to the above remark, buying local, organic produce effectively counters mass-produced agricultural outcomes. There is a dramatic reduction in the amount of plastic being used to package products and fuel usage during long road transits is also reduced.
Legal Provisions for Environmental Protection
Some of the important legislations for environmental protection are as follows:
- The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
- The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- The Environment Protection Act, 1986
- The Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, etc.
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (No. 19 of 2010) (NGT Act) has been enacted with the objectives to provide for the establishment of a National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property
and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (the "Air Act") is an act to provide for the prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution and for the establishment of Boards at the Central and State levels with a view to carrying out the aforesaid purposes.
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
The Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974 (the "Water Act") has been enacted to provide for the prevention and control of water pollution and to maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water in the country. It further provides for the establishment of Boards for the prevention and control of water pollution with a view to carrying out the aforesaid purposes. The Water Act prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water bodies beyond a
given standard, and lays down penalties for non-compliance.
The Environment Protection Act, 1986
The Environment Protection Act, 1986 (the "Environment Act") provides for the protection and improvement of the environment. The Environment Protection Act establishes the framework for studying, planning, and implementing long-term requirements of environmental safety and laying down a system of speedy and adequate response to situations threatening the environment. It is an umbrella legislation designed to provide a framework for the coordination of central and state authorities established under the Water Act, 1974, and the Air Act. T
Hazardous Wastes Management Regulations
Hazardous waste means any waste which, by reason of any of its physical, chemical, reactive, toxic, flammable, explosive, or corrosive characteristics causes danger or is likely to cause danger to health or environment, whether alone or when in contact with other wastes or substances.
Some of the rules dealing with hazardous waste management are discussed below:
- Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary) Rules, 2008, brought out a guide for manufacture, storage and import of hazardous chemicals and for management of hazardous wastes.
- Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998, were formulated along parallel lines, for proper disposal, segregation, transport, etc, of infectious wastes.
- Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, aim at enabling municipalities to dispose
- municipal solid waste in a scientific manner.
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