Climate change has completely changed our planet. To a large extent, the major cause of climatic change has been carbon emissions from industries. There have been multiple concerns about carbon emissions and their potential consequences.
It’s essential to understand the effects of carbon and other greenhouse gas emission of s on business and the environment. After all, if we don’t know the effect of greenhouse gas effects, how will we change our behavior to save the planet?
Let’s discuss the effects of carbon emissions in the business world and the environment. We’re also going to discuss what we can do to reduce the effect of carbon emissions.
Global warming
Carbon can trap heat from the atmosphere, thus prevents it from escaping the earth’s surface. Over the past century, scientists have proven that this has led to global warming, increasing the likelihood of droughts, severe weather patterns, and other problems.
Global warming leads to more precipitations, but the effects are felt separately; some regions become very dry and others wetter. Stronger carbon emissions can partially melt ice sheets and glaciers and warming the oceans, thus increasing the sea levels. Once the ocean level warms, it expands, contributing to a further rise in sea levels.
Health and productivity
Human beings, too, are no exception. Greenhouse gas emission causes more respiratory illnesses from increased smog and air pollution. When carbon emissions eradicate a particular animal species, destroying crops is a huge blow to the agri-business sector.
Carbon emissions contain carcinogens which increase the risk of getting cancer. Experts have pointed out that about half of cancer illnesses are related to outdoor pollution from vehicles and industries. People with diabetes who live near areas with fog and carbon emissions have high mortality rates resulting from heart diseases. That is a major blow to business as it affects the working population, which means low productivity.
Ways to reduce carbon emissions
Measuring carbon footprint
You can begin to see what changes you can implement by assessing how much pollution your business’ activities generate. You can measure carbon footprint by undertaking carbon emission assessment through the help of software like Net0. Net0 allows you to monitor the impact of carbon emissions in real-time as well as counterbalancing it accurately.
Once you have your carbon emissions assessment result, you can develop strategies to reduce it by implementing new process and product management techniques and technological advancements. Carbon capture, changed green public are also strategies companies can adopt.
Carbon capping
Cap-and-trade policies that involve emissions trading can reduce carbon emissions. The process is simple. Government entities set up a limit on the amount of carbon emissions used in the jurisdiction. Companies are then issued with carbon allowances. It is upon the individual companies to decide whether to trade or use the allowances.
Rewarding Green commuting
Green commuting using public transport means that reduce the amount of carbon emission. It includes public transport, biking, telecommunicating, and carpooling. Employers and government can issue commuter benefits that address traffic congestion, limited parking by increasing bonuses, and employee retention while conserving the environment.
Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Burning fossils like coal and oil to produce energy increases carbon emissions that contribute to adverse climatic changes. Businesses can adopt sustainable sources of energy like solar and wind power.
Reducing emissions from Vehicles
Changes in driving routines like driving only when necessary and setting to complete tasks in one trip may come in handy to reduce carbon emissions. Drivers should also ensure that their vehicles are well maintained by checking for leaks on the exhaust system.
Conclusion
Nothing beats the feeling of living in a safe and clean environment. All stakeholders need to adopt the ways highlighted above to have a cleaner environment in the future.
