Reducing climate change

We are learning how to:

• describe ways of reducing greenhouse gases

• describe other initiatives to mitigate climate change.

Greenhouse gases and climate change

Since there are clear links between greenhouse gases, global warming and climate change, any initiative to reduce climate change must involve a reduction in the levels of greenhouse gases. The contribution of an individual gas depends on its greenhouse index value and its concentration in the upper atmosphere.

Although the greenhouse index of carbon dioxide is small, it is present in a relatively high concentration in the upper atmosphere. The gradual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide over the past century has been closely associated with global warming, so we will focus on initiatives for reducing the concentration of this gas.

Carbon dioxide sinks

A carbon dioxide sink is a carbon reservoir that increases in size. The main natural sinks are:

• plants and other organisms

• the oceans into which carbon dioxide dissolves shale sand carbon native carbon-bearing

Any initiatives involving reforestation in the Caribbean, will increase the capacity of natural sinks.

There are now plans to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in traps under suitable layers of rock.

Electrically powered motor vehicles

The biggest single source of atmospheric carbon dioxide is the combustion of carbon-based fuels such as coal, natural gas and those made from crude oil, such as diesel and petrol. Any initiative to reduce the numbers of vehicles powered by diesel and petrol engines will be hugely beneficial.

Scientists and technologists have experimented with electrically powered cars for many years. They don’t burn a fuel and therefore don’t produce carbon dioxide.

Recent developments in battery technology mean that electric cars are now possible and the numbers in use will rapidly increase over the next decade. Scientists are also working on electrically powered trucks.

Alternative energy sources

Fossil fuels are also burnt on a large scale in power stations to generate electricity. The Taichung Power Plant in Taiwan is the world’s biggest coal-fired power station, and also the world’s biggest producer of carbon dioxide. It releases 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air every year.

Any initiative that promotes the use of alternative energy sources will reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Activity 8.6.1

My carbon footprint

You will not need any equipment or materials for this activity You should work in groups of 3 or 4.

1. Carry out some research to find the meaning of the term ‘carbon footprint’.

2. Make a list of the ways in which you, and your family, contribute to your own personal carbon footprint.

3. Discuss in your group how, as an individual, you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Check your understanding

1. Read the following extract from an article in the Jamaica Observer and answer the questions beneath.

For electric cars to take off, they’ll need a place to charge

Around the world, support is growing for electric cars.

Automakers are delivering more electric models with longer range and lower prices, such as the Chevrolet Bolt and the Tesla Model 3. China has set aggressive targets for electric vehicle sales to curb pollution; some European countries aim to be all-electric by 2040 or sooner a) What models of electric cars are mentioned? b) Which countries will actively promote the use of electric cars in the future? c) What problem is foreseen in persuading people to move to electric cars?

Those lofty ambitions face numerous challenges, including one practical consideration for consumers: If they buy electric cars, where will they charge them?

Fun fact

Biofuels, like biodiesel, are sometimes described as ‘carbon neutral’ because the amount of carbon dioxide released when they are burnt is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants when they are growing.

Key terms carbon dioxide sink removal of carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere reforestation planting trees to create new areas of forest battery device for storing electricity