climate change is complicated. But even if we don't fully understand climate science, we know that we need to reduce greenhouse gas production. We are bombarded with messages warning us not to pollute and advertisements promising more sustainable products. But how do we know what actually makes a difference to our climate impact and what simply makes a difference? green washing?
All human activities impact the environment through the use of natural resources, the generation of waste, and the release of hazardous substances. greenhouse gas Products that contribute to climate change during production, distribution, and use. Carbon dioxide is a direct cause of global warming, so carbon emissions are part of our impact and are important. However, many other gases and materials also contribute. The idea of carbon footprint, promoted by the oil and gas industry to shift the blame for global warming onto consumers, is a useful metric. Developed by environmental scientists.
our carbon footprint is measured as the amount of Carbon dioxide (CO2) Released into the atmosphere by certain human activities. Carbon dioxide is important for climate change because large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere by humans. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is higher than ever before. 280ppm From the 1800s and beyond 420 ppm in November 2023. CO2 levels continue is rapidly increasingAnd they remain in the atmosphere for a very long time, anywhere from 300 to 1,000 years.
Possibility of global warming
Pound for pound, carbon dioxide is not the most potent greenhouse gas (GHG). Other GHGs include methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases, and water vapor. Each gas degrades over time in the atmosphere over a period known as its „lifetime“ and has a different ability to trap heat before it degrades, known as its „radiative efficiency.“ Together, their overall ability to trap heat is known as: Possibility of global warming. Global warming potential (GWP) allows you to compare the effects of different types of gases on the climate. Carbon dioxide is the gas that scientists use as a standard for determining his GWP.
![Greenhouse gas word cloud concept](https://earthnew.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AdobeStock_288950117-2-600x329.jpeg)
C.O.2-eq: unit of measurement
The GWP of a greenhouse gas is the amount of energy that one ton of gas emissions absorbs over a given period of time compared to one ton of carbon dioxide (CO) emissions.2).It is measured as C.O.2-eq (Also written as CO)2eq or simply CO2e), which means „carbon dioxide equivalent“.
By converting emissions into CO2-eqs allows researchers to include all GHG emissions in their calculations, not just carbon. Other quantified environmental impacts (natural resource use and waste generation) can also be converted to CO.2-eqs provides a measure of total environmental impact. Having a standard unit of measurement allows us to directly compare the impact of different activities.
Informed choice
you drive a car, emit carbon dioxide. But they also emit carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds.None of these gases are as important as CO2, However, each has a GWP. Using the GWP of each gas emitted, you can convert those emissions into carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2).2-eq) to more accurately reflect the climate impact of commuting.
If you want to know whether to bake with cane sugar or corn syrup more sustainable, or the greenest coffeeColorado2-eq allows direct comparison of total climate impacts.
C.O.2-eq is difficult for many people to read and type. That's why people often use terms like „carbon emissions,“ „greenhouse gas emissions,“ or even just „emissions“ to describe climate impacts. However, these common terms are not completely accurate. When impacts are quantified, carbon emissions are measured in CO units.2-eq helps you make the most sustainable decisions.
Editor's note: This article was published on July 29, 2021 and updated in January 2024.