|
2) Contribution to Green House Gases (World)
Much of it began with the Industrial Revolution, is closely associated
with accelerated use of energy through fossil fuels, and has been much
sharper in recent decades. Each year, humans emit over 26 billion tons
of CO2, 28% more than we used to in 1990. The chief sources of
emissions are electrical power (24%), land use (18%), transport (14%),
industry (14%) and agriculture (another 14%).
Let
us not forget that human and animal intensive agriculture, in countries
such as ours, provides food and supports the bulk of our populations.
It is essential to human existence; cars and planes are not.
Emissions have been growing sharply due to reckless mining,
deforestation, wasteful production and consumption of coal and oil.
Modern warfare, so dependent upon planes, fuel and minerals, has also
been much to blame. Globalization - with its faster and wider movement
of goods and people - is a major factor. Consumption has become a thing
to be proud about. Anyone who can afford now drives a car, and cars
emit a kilo of carbon dioxide every 6 km. Hence a car-ride say from
Delhi University to CP would emit 2 kilos of CO2. Flights are much
cheaper than they used to be. More electrical gadgets at home mean more
use of power, directly and indirectly. After all, there is a direct
link between how much we earn and consume, and global warming.
|
