Climate change has become a global problem. Every country contributes to global warming. However, some countries produce significantly higher levels of emissions than others. While 3 percent of global emission comes from the countries that emit the least, it is 68% for the top 10 nations. This means that everyone should take action to decrease global warming. It is particularly important for countries producing the most carbon emissions to lead.
Fossil Fuels and their environmental impacts
Many pollutants result from the combustion of fossil-fuels. These air pollutants are harmful to human health and cause diseases like asthma and cancer. Fossil fuel pollution also damages crops, water supplies, and causes acid rain. In fact, fossil fuel pollution is responsible for one in five deaths worldwide. In the United States, fossil fuel combustion is the leading cause of air pollution. Fossil fuel combustion is responsible for 85% of the nation's sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emission.
Fossilfuels account for 80 percent global primary energy demands and are the largest contributor to CO2 emissions. These emissions are being undercounted and may be even greater than previously believed. In many countries less developed, biomass fuels can be used for cooking and small scale heating. This pollutes indoor air quality and is extremely inefficient. These issues make it a concern for those who are concerned about the future of sustainable growth.
Public support for renewable energy
The public's support for renewable energy has grown in recent years but not at an equal rate as climate change acceptance. While overall support for renewable energy is higher that for climate change in general, the difference between the views is greater in conservative areas. While this finding may not be conclusive, it can have important implications for renewable energy advocates in conservative areas.
Support for renewable energy development is increasing, especially among younger Americans. But, there is still little support for the exploration of fossil fuels. While a majority of respondents support the United States increasing its oil production, only 79 percent believe that it should do so. Only 25% of respondents prefer increased drilling.
Mitigation options
There are several mitigation strategies available to mitigate climate change. These strategies emphasize consumer choices, technology adoption and lifestyles. These strategies are distinct from supply-side solutions, which aim to modify production technologies. It is important to find synergistic solutions and minimize costs.
Carbon pricing is one key climate policy. It can accelerate the development clean technologies. A price of $100 per ton of CO2 would be necessary to reduce global GHG emissions by half by 2030.
Climate change is driven by human activity
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Although carbon dioxide is the major culprit, other greenhouse gasses are also responsible for climate change. Despite the fact humans have lived on Earth for hundreds of years, we are only now starting to see the real impact of our actions.
Fossil fuels have been a major source of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels, especially coal, have high levels of carbon dioxide. They are the main energy source for the global economic system. While each fuel has a different carbon content, coal is the most prevalent. Other non-commercial, inefficient fuels are also major sources of greenhouse gases. About a fifth of current carbon dioxide emission is due to tropical deforestation. However, this contribution to the carbon dioxide emissions will be less than that from fossil fuels in the future.
Education impact on public views
In general, education has a positive impact on public views on climate change and renewable energies. Its effect on Republicans is however less evident. The relationship between education, support for renewable energy, and ACC is also less pronounced in northeast Oregon where the education effect may be weak.
According to the UNESCO website, "Investing knowledge pays the greatest interest." UNESCO also believes that education is a crucial factor in addressing global climate change. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are among the many initiatives that UNESCO has supported to raise public awareness on climate change.