by Kynan Fortescue
(Mobile Alabama)
Carbon Atoms
I sometimes consider the amazing amount of oxygen in the air. Every day we breathe more than a million times, but what if oxygen was replaced by our waste gas – carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases?
Science tells us that it is impossible for oxygen to be totally depleted; however, carbon dioxide and other gases can form higher ratios within our atmosphere. Why is this so? Because our daily human activities release tremendous amounts of greenhouse gases that have an adverse effect on our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen are just some of the gases that trap heat towards the surface of the earth. This is very disturbing and alarming because the continuous cycle we have developed is leading to very high and dangerous carbon dioxide levels, not only for us but for ecosystems in general.
Countries all over the globe signed the Kyoto Protocol (except the USA) which allows for carbon trading as a way of reducing greenhouse gases to an acceptable level (although what is really an acceptable level?). With a price on carbon and with the practice of carbon trading industries will be forced to reduce emissions. Those who cannot comply with the standards will need to buy credits from others who stay within or below the emission limits. By doing this, companies can improve their emissions standing and avoid paying for more credits. The trading system allows a chain of supply and demand among countries and at the same time lowers emissions to steer clear of the adverse effects of global warming.
Effects of Carbon Trading
• By reducing carbon emissions, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will be reduced slowing heat entrapment.
• Companies that emit excess carbon dioxide will be penalized and forced into taking more care.
• Wide ranging and comprehensive carbon trading will result in an overall reduction in greenhouse gases and hence a reduction in global warming.
• The world will be cleaner and safer place to live.
• We will all feel more secure and protected.
Basically, we need to get carbon trading and standards right. This is not happening now and countries are still avoiding the issue. United States did not enter or adopt the Kyoto protocol. China and India, two of the largest carbon dioxide polluters did not sign the carbon emissions code of behavior which means it became a farce. The main goal was to cut greenhouse gases but without the commitment of big countries, particularly those with the most polluting industries, any scheme is just a waste of time and is of no value.
Environmental projects such as this must not be taken for granted or glossed over. The effort to remove destructive activities must be ramped up. Whether we want to admit it or not, it is because of our actions that climate change is happening at the rate it is. Instead of shaking our heads about carbon trading, we should embrace it because it is for our well being. As we continue to ease and improve our lifestyles, we cannot forget the consequences of carbon emissions on our environment. Why not try to do both so that we can preserve and bequest a livable Earth to our children.
