Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges in modern times, with global warming weighing heavily on all of our shoulders. However, the true weight of carbon emissions may come as a surprise, for instance, the UK produces a whopping 466,044,000 tons of emissions, which is equivalent to 37,000 Shards or 37 million London Buses! Innovations in clean energy projects, electric vehicles and hybrid technology have already helped reduce carbon emissions and further advancements in biofuels, organics photovoltaics and hydrogen cars are in the process of being developed.
Data released by The World Bank, reveals that 23% of the global-related CO2 emissions are caused by transport. Having means to travel is a necessity, however, tackling the weight transport has on the climate is vital. Electricity-powered vehicles are available, yet for widespread use, battery charging technology needs to be refined with more efficient batteries. Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered a new material offering an alternative to regular batteries and said to be 1000-10,000 times more powerful. The material is believed to have the same travel capacity as petrol cars and can be fully recharged in the time it takes to fill a regular car with fuel.
According to the US Green Building Council, buildings emit 39% of the CO2 released in the US and almost 20% of global emissions. Whether it is lighting in the home, heating or equipment used by occupants, all consume power and contribute to emissions. Innovations in green technology will help reduce carbon emissions by using low-carbon and efficient technology.
An antidote to the emissions crisis is to build smarter cities. A company called Sidewalk Labs are leveraging digital technology to their advantage. One of their current projects is integrating insights on the urban environment for design and infrastructure innovations to significantly reduce building energy consumption, landfill waste, and carbon emissions.
The Traffic Energy Bar System (TEBS) takes an innovative approach to climate change by using busy roads to generate energy for use elsewhere. TEBS is a system that is installed in a location where high volumes of traffic slow down. Bars on the road are pressed down by the wheels of vehicles as it moves over them, creating an up and down motion, that generates electricity. Waste energy from slowing down cars are harnessed to power other systems that require electricity in the city.
With the rise of the new technology such as those mentioned above and increased funding for low-carbon technologies, mitigating climate change can be achievable and realistic.
Hi Emily,
Green technology is an important aspect to reduce the carbon emission and save our planet. With the increase in number of vehicles world over, it is paramount to take the precautionary measures in order to curb the carbon emission.
Thanks for sharing, have a good day. 🙂
Carbon emissions will no longer be as important as environmental issues in the future, because carbon emissions will soon be perfectly resolved. Now scientists have invented a device that can efficiently absorb and store various greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. If anyone thinks what I said is wrong, I hope you can discuss or debate with me in the comments. I firmly believe that in the future, environmental issues on the planet, issues related to the greenhouse effect or global warming will not be the dilemmas that humans will face. Before environmental issues threaten our society, let us focus on more important and closer issues such as political issues.
Carbon emission is increasing day by day and we have to minimize it as soon as possible. But in every field its emission is increasing and it is getting more harmful day by day. All the big giants are the part of this excresion .. i really wish we could have done something to stop it.