Do you have a second for the planet?

The main focus of this blog post will be to examine the human element that contributes to climate change. Scientists have formed a strong connection between the amount of carbon dioxide content and atmospheric temperature. It is known that there is a correlation between C02 and temperature but uncertainties do not allow for conclusitive statements, only postulation. This focuses on the various human practices that contribute to the greenhouse effect such as air pollution, forestry practices, and landfills. Along with the causes of the pollution, some of the already noticed effects and potential problems of increased c02 levels are also examined.

A major cause of pollution that is often overlooked by the public is the shipping industry. The transportation of manufactured goods and oil by worldwide industries contribute to increased levels of c02 in the atmosphere. Emission standards are often overlooked by governments as a result of financial gain and every mode of transportation in the shipping industries are under less scrutiny than standard manufactures products released to the public.

Landfills are another contributing factor to the waste of natural resources and the increasing levels of C02 in the atmosphere. Long term effects of landfills include the possibility of harmful waste leaking into major water systems, which has even been validated by the EPA. New methods to improve this include bioreactors which allow methane from waste to be trapped more efficiently. Along the lines of landfills is the method of incineration which sends toxins including acid gases, mercury, among other harmful substances.

Deforestation is quite possibly the most destructive force in increasing C02 and climate change. Over the past 150 years, deforestation has contributed an estimated 30 percent of the atmospheric buildup.

Now I’m not the save the planet type of person, I still drive my SUV, I took the catalytic converters out of my summer sports car so it would go faster, but this is a cause of concern. It is hard to change the actions of people like me but putting tighter restrictions on multinational shipping and deforestation companies could make a larger positive impact on reducing emissions than potentially changing hundreds of thousands of individuals would. They have the money to clean up their acts too. There are rebates in place through the government that give them back some of the money they invest into cleaning up and reducing pollution. Why don’t we focus on these companies instead of getting hassled walking to class by people asking if I have a moment for the planet. NO, I don’t, not now, not later, stop asking. Persuade a company that can actually make a difference.