This topic discusses the problems faced due to greenhouse gas emissions. Methods which are being practised at present to curb these emissions have also been stated.
Industrialization and modernization have given rise to a major problem which the whole world is having to deal with at present. The release of high concentrations of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere cannot be left unchecked. The main types of greenhouse gases are carbondioxide, water vapor and compounds nitrogen.
The carbondioxide gas plays a major role in increasing the temperature of the earth's surface. It prevents the sun's rays reflected from the earth's surface from escaping back into space and brings about a temperature rise in the planet's average temperature. This gas is released mainly through vehicular emissions and industrial exhausts. As globalization and development make industrialization inevitable, experts all over the world are looking for newer ways to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Vehicular emissions
The first step at curbing vehicular emissions was taken a few years back when it was ensured that the fuel used in vehicles did not contain any lead compounds. Lead promotes incomplete combustion of fuel and leads to release of nitrogen compounds in the exhaust.
More recently, many countries are trying to replace all conventional petrol/diesel run vehicles with those run on hydrogen and electric power. The emissions from both these types of vehicles are virtually pollution free. Though a complete change might not be anything close, the prospects are certainly looking very good.
Pollution norms for vehicular pollution are also being implemented strictly in many countries of the world.
Industrial Emissions
This area still remains a matter of concern. While developed nations might not be too keen on giving up their top industrial status, developing countries raise objections based on the need to attain greater economic development.
Though the Kyoto Protocol was seen as a positive step in this direction, it contained a number of loop holes and could never be implemented effectively. It also enabled sale and purchase of carbon credits, which made it sure that the treaty never served its purpose.
Global warming is starting to show serious consequences. It is estimated that the average world temperature would go up by nearly 6 degrees centigrade by the end of the century. If no effective steps are taken in quick time, most of the coastal areas will be submerged due to the rise of sea levels due to melting of ice caps. Hence, quick and thoughtful action is the need of the hour.
