Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint

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Carbon Footprint

Global warming is an issue that affects every human being on the planet. As the emission of greenhouse gases continues, temperatures on the planet are likely to rise and cause unusual and adverse weather effects. Currently, global warming is a major concern for the international community. Efforts are being made to reduce the impact of human activities on the atmosphere on a global scale. These efforts are supposed to help mitigate the threat that global warming poses to life on earth as well as the stable existence of some communities. For instance, the continued warming of the earth’s atmosphere is currently threatening the existence of the Maldives, due to the country’s low sea level. The best solution for this problem is to reduce the carbon emissions of the human race, an option that will also lead to the conservation of energy. For instance, increasing the use of public transport will have the effect of minimizing carbon emissions, conserving energy, creating employment, and reducing the cost of living. One effective way of reducing the human carbon footprint revolves around changing the technology that humans use. The adoption and increased use of some inventions can help people reduce their carbon emissions and help the world achieve its targets for energy conservation.

One way in which people can help reduce the human carbon footprint is by using low energy appliances. Currently, the use of household appliances and consumer electronics is one way in which the human race is increasing the magnitude of its carbon footprint. A study conducted by Brenda Boardman (2007) found that the ecological impact of household appliances is increasing because of a number of factors such as an increase in the number of households and higher levels of ownership. Replacing the appliances currently in use with low energy models can reduce their impact on the environment (Boardman, 2007). For instance, the British government is reducing the country’s carbon footprint by replacing old fridges that consume a lot of energy with newer models at the cost of second-hand appliances an act that will significantly reduce the country’s carbon footprint (Boardman, 2007). With the use of such low energy appliances, the human race can reduce the carbon footprint significantly and help mitigate the effects of global warming.

People can also help reduce the human carbon footprint by using lighting systems that are more environmentally friendly. Recently developed lighting technology makes it possible for people to illuminate their houses without consuming as much energy as they currently do. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are an example of energy saving lighting fixtures that can help reduce the carbon footprint. CFLs work by using electricity to excite a gas within the fluorescent tube to produce ultraviolet light (“Energy efficient lighting”). Through this system, CFLs are able to produce sufficient lighting while using only a fraction of the energy that regular bulbs use. Accordingly, the mass adoption of such lighting systems can help reduce the carbon footprint significantly. The introduction of solar energy for lighting purposes can also help reduce the impact of human activities on the environment. The use of solar energy to provide lighting and energy in the world is a valid solution to the current environmental concerns. Solar energy is normally provided by the sun, making it a virtually limitless source of energy and one that is easily accessible in most parts of the world (Nelson, Gambhir & Ekins-Daukes, 2014). In addition to reducing the human carbon footprint, solar energy provides other benefits for users. Firstly, it is cheap and easily accessible meaning that its adoption could lower energy prices. Secondly, solar energy is a clean source of power that does not pollute the other. These reasons make solar energy a viable solution for the world’s environmental concerns.

The incorporation of motion detectors within lighting systems can also ensure that they are environmental friendly. The use of motion sensors within lighting systems can help conserve energy and reduce the carbon footprint. When motion sensors are incorporated into lighting fixtures, the lamps are capable of detecting the presence of a person and switching themselves on when necessary (PerkinElmer, 2009). This technology is particularly useful for security lights and other fixtures that stay on for a long time. When motion sensors are inserted into such systems, they help conserve energy by mitigating wastage.

In addition to adopting these emerging technologies, the human race can reduce its carbon footprint by changing its attitude towards the environment and conservation efforts. The most significant aspect of this change regards convincing people that the responsibility of taking care of the environment lies with every individual. This change in attitude could lead to encourage people to make individual efforts to reduce global warming by reducing their personal carbon footprints. These individual efforts could be further encouraged by staging a competition around them. For instance, a willing benefactor could stage a contest in which individuals develop technology that helps reduce the carbon footprint of the human race. The winner of this competition would be awarded a specific amount of money, with his or her invention or idea being mass-produced or implemented. This competition would encourage people to involve themselves in conservation efforts, even if it was for personal gain.

Global warming is a serious concern for the human race because of the risks that it poses towards the existence of life on earth. Adverse and sporadic weather in recent years has made this threat a reality for most people making it necessary for the world to take action. The human race can mitigate the threat posed by global warming by reducing its carbon footprint. The use of modern technology is one way of reducing the global carbon footprint and helping conserve energy in the planet. Technologies such as low energy appliances, CFLs, solar power and motion detecting lights are effective ways of conserving energy and reducing the carbon footprint. Accordingly, the adoption of these technologies can help mitigate the effects of global warming and make the world a better place.

References

Boardman. B. (2007). Home truths: A low-carbon strategy to reduce housing emissions by 80% by 2050. Oxford: University of Oxford.

Energy efficient lighting. (2007). Retrieved from https://www.michigan.gov/documents/CIS_EO_Lighting_167401_7.pdf.

Nelson, J. Gambhir, A. & Ekins-Daukes, N. (2014). Solar power for CO₂ mitigation. Grantham Institute for Climate Change Briefing Paper No 11, 1-15.

PerkinElmer. (2009). Infrared sensing technologies – For a healthier, cleaner and safer tomorrow. Retrieved from http://www.perkinelmer.com/PDFs/Downloads/CAT_SensorsAndEmittersInfraredSensing.pdf.

World Health Organization. (2008). Reducing your carbon footprint can be good for your health: A list of mitigating actions. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/world-health-day/toolkit/dyk_whd2008_annex1.pdf.