Carbon Emission Data
Among the most significant environmental effects of energy production and consumption is the emission of greenhouse gases. These gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and others block infrared radiation from the earth to space and retain the captured heat in the atmosphere. This greenhouse effect keeps the Earth’s climate hospitable to life.
CO2 emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels are proportional to fuel consumption and the carbon content of the fuel. Among commonly used fossil fuel types, coal has the highest carbon content and natural gas the lowest. According to the Department of Energy, although the electric power sector accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal consumption, 2.1 quadrillion Btu of coal is consumed currently in the industrial and buildings (residential and commercial) sectors.
The factors that influence growth in CO2 emissions are the same as those that drive increases in fossil energy demand. Among the most significant are population and economic growth; increased penetration of computers, electronics, appliances, and office equipment; increases in highway, rail, and air travel; and continued reliance on coal for electric power generation. The increases in demand for energy services are partially offset by efficiency improvements and shifts toward less energy-intensive industries. New CO2 mitigation programs, more rapid improvements in technology, or more rapid adoption of voluntary CO2 emissions reduction programs could result in lower CO2 emissions levels. (Report #:DOE/EIA-0383 2007)
The possibility of carbon dioxide forced warming of the climate concerns scientists worldwide. In recent years many have come to believe that anthropogenic (human–caused) additions to greenhouse gases are raising global average temperatures and may produce harmful changes in the global climate.
Today, The Clinton Foundation is playing a major role in creating more awareness and movement to reduce emissions. President Bill Clinton announced the creation of a global Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, a project of the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI). The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program will provide both cities and their private building owners with access to the necessary funds to retrofit existing buildings with more energy efficient products, typically leading to energy savings between 20 to 50 percent.
While visionary organizations like the Clinton Foundation focus on providing technical assistance and bargaining power to 40 participating cities with area populations of three million or more, Stand Up for the Earth is doing its part to help developers, building owners and managers of large and small facilities across the United States.
There are a lot of very affordable things you can do right now to help make the world a little greener. If your company is interested in learning more about how to reduce energy use and consumption, please email info@standupfortheearth.org.
