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Reduction of Carbon Emissions- An Overview
While the world witnessed industrial growth, it has also needed to recognize the damages it has caused in the process. Carbon emission has been an increasing contribution to the environment leading to pollution, climate change, and several other issues. While the success of growth is enjoyed by many, they must also ensure that the coming generation is left with a cleaner planet.
In this blog, there will be a discussion on carbon emission, carbon abatement cost, and how it can be achieved.
Reduction of Carbon Emission
There are several ways through which carbon emission can be reduced or abated such as burning cleaner fuels like natural gas, introducing improvement in efficiency, switching to an alternative energy source such as nuclear, wind, or solar, and capturing emitted carbon dioxide during power plants combustion, etc.
Efficiency Improvement: While efficiency improvement is the first go-to solution it involves several things such as energy management, mileage improvement for vehicles, better insulation, and usage of efficient bulbs like LED lights. Efficiency can be gained with the modification of an individual’s behavior so that all the activities contribute to less energy consumption such as opting for carpooling, making use of public transport, etc.
Alternative Fuel Source: From powering vehicles to generating electricity, a switch can be made from coals and other non-renewable sources of energy to cleaner and renewable forms. Natural gas like methane is a great option as it is a cleaner fuel and therefore contributes significantly less to pollution.
Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS): This is an effective way of reducing carbon emissions. Though the technology is new, more and more industries are using it. To make this work, a large amount of carbon dioxide is injected into a huge aquifer and is left to react with minerals. By doing so, the emission does not reach the surface and pollute the environment or cause ant negative impact
Use of Technology: Adapting to the changing time is the key to staying relevant be it in business or in the path to contribute to creating a pollution-free environment. Innovation must be encouraged so that technologies can be developed. This will not only help the present generation but also the future generation in its fight for a cleaner and greener ambiance.
Cost of Energy Sources Based on Industries
- Natural Gas Advanced – 65.5
- Wind – 96.8
- Natural Gas Conventional – 68.6
- Advanced Coal – 112.2
- Solar Thermal – 251.0
- Biomass – 120.2
- Advanced Coal with CCS – 140.7
- Geothermal – 99.6
- Wind – Offshore – 330.6
- Advanced Nuclear – 112.7
- Conventional Coal – 99.6
- Solar Photo-Voltaic – 156.9
- Hydroelectric – 89.9
Carbon Abatement Cost – A Necessity
It is quite clear and interesting to note that the cheapest form through which electricity can be generated is through natural gas. Hydropower, geothermal power, and wind power also seem quite cheaper. Though several countries are yet to adapt and change their ways of energy consumption, many countries have already started adapting to the alternative source of energy generation. It is noteworthy that changing to an alternate does not happen overnight and therefore requires time, resources, and the willingness of government and business owners across the world to pay the carbon abatement cost.
Change must come from resource-rich countries. This will set an example for the rest of the world to follow and adopt the new ways of energy generation and consumption. One of the biggest steps towards this change is to spread awareness and educate people on its significance. More individuals must be made informed about the impact of carbon emission and how paying carbon abatement costs can contribute hugely to achieving a big goal. There might be several business owners and organizations who might not see the need to pay such costs. But once everyone gets an understanding of its benefits and advantages, the change can be implemented on a large scale.