Paths to Sustainability
There are 4 main fronts that must be tackled:
Reduction of emissions and greenhouse gases
The consumption of energy is indispensable for sustaining the modern lifestyle and necessary for economic and social development. However, it is clear that we must change our use and type of energy. Non-renewable energy sources will run out, and will cause a negative impact on the environment.
According to the National Geographic documentary, “Six degrees could change the world,” 90% of the world’s energy currently comes from non-renewable energy sources.
The methods used up to this point to generate energy emit the following gases:
| ORIGIN | EFFECTS | |
| CO2 Carbon dioxide | This comes from combustion reactions | -It participates in the greenhouse effect by capturing infrared radiation that the earth reflects toward space |
| CO Carbon monoxide | This is produced during the incomplete combustion of the mixture of air and gas. | -Highly toxic for humans |
| NOx Nitrogen oxides | High temperature reactions between nitrogen and oxygen present in the air, during combustion processes | - Acid rain: alterations of forest and aquatic ecosystems. - It is a lung irritant. |
| SO2 Sulfur dioxide | It comes from the burning of combustible fossil fuels, due to the sulfur they contain. | - Allergy type illnesses, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract |
| COV Volatile organic compounds | Exhaust gases originating from deficient combustion or the evaporation of fuels | - Carcinogenic effects - Allergy type illness - Irritation of the eyes and respiratory tracts |
| Particles and smoke | These are emitted by poor combustion of fuels | - Environmental dirtiness. - They reduce visibility. - They affect the respiratory tract. |
Change is necessary…
- The adoption of renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind energy, and the introduction of new technologies for industry and transportation.
- Most efficient use possible of combustible fossil fuels. The savings achieved in this way will allow us to gain some time for the global climatic system while alternative technologies are developed and made more profitable.
- Resources should be allotted for the development of “hybrid” and electric vehicles, since advanced technologies in the automotive sector could reduce by almost half the CO2 emissions resulting from transportation.
- Optimizing the management of energy in industry so it may benefit from the combined co-generation of heat and electricity as well as other uses for residual heat. Industry currently produces more than 40% of CO2 emissions worldwide.
- Installation of more efficient lighting systems and appliances in buildings and homes, significantly reducing the consumption of electricity. Using the best insulation in buildings could create an enormous reduction in the amount of fuel needed for heating or air conditioning.
Expanding forested areas
Trees and other green plants, which use only sunlight as their source of energy, absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, release oxygen, and store carbon in a safe and useful way. Forests are great allies for minimizing climate change and atmospheric warming. Deforestation, on the other hand, has a doubly negative effect: it reduces the number of trees that can recoup CO2 produced by human activities and it releases into the atmosphere the carbon content contained in the trees that are cut down.
Change in agricultural methods
The carbon stored in agricultural land can be conserved or increased by introducing techniques that reduce or eliminate tilling of the land, which reduces the rate of decomposition of organic materials on the ground.
In rice patties, emissions of methane, an important GHG, can be eliminated to a certain extent with certain farming practices, planning for water resources, and crop rotation.
The use of nitrogenous fertilizers can reduce emissions of nitrous oxide, another important GHG, with greater efficiency.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has indicated the need to adopt Conservation Agriculture (CA). The goal of this farming system is to help feed the planet in a more sustainable way, reinforcing ground ecosystems and reducing their alteration to a minimum. For more information, visit the FAO .
Importance of culture and habits
It is vital to recognize that in order to successfully address the problem of global warming, we need to get all elements of society on the same wavelength, from the individual (such as personal habits) to the communal (such as quality regulations and standards.)
Many countries and communities have already taken concrete actions to address the issue. Here are some examples:
- Belgium, Germany, Hungary, and Switzerland use “green taxes” to stimulate the use of renewable energy. These “taxes” guarantee companies that generate electricity a price per unit of renewable energy that is higher than current market price.
- Several governments have adopted measures to require garbage collection companies to avoid the escape of GHGs such as methane. In Switzerland and Norway, taxes per ton of garbage are higher in dumps that are not sealed. In Austria, taxes are higher when landfills do not recoup methane that is emitted.
- An agreement was established between the European Union and automobile manufacturing organizations in Europe and Asia to reduce CO2 emissions produced by passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.
- Denmark established emissions between 1990 and 2000 and introduced more efficient methods of generating electricity and substituting coal use in industry for renewable energy and natural gas. The gross internal product of the country increased 27% during the last ten years.
- Some governments have established energy efficiency standards for appliances. A program started by Japan in 1998 attempts to reduce energy consumption by video devices by 59%, refrigerators by 30%, and computers by 83%. They even established compensation for countries where the more rigorous European standards for appliances are already in use, to compensate for their higher price. In Basque Country, homes have the right to a partial rebate of the purchase price of efficient appliances.
- The minimum standards for efficiency in new construction were currently updated in Austria, France, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. These measures include standards for walls and roofs, with the goal of limiting heat loss.
- Australia was the first country to create a governmental agency exclusively dedicated to reducing GHG emissions. It is called the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO). It was established in 1998 as an independent organization within the environmental budget to provide a joint government focus. The AGO is also responsible for the Energy Star energy efficiency standards and the Energy Rating energy efficiency ratings, which are mandatory programs for buildings, appliances, and industrial equipment.
Source: Department of Climate Change Australia
- In 1992, the European Commission, within the framework of the Environmental Action Programme (EAP), developed the Environment Ecolabel, also known as the “Ecolabel Flower.” Independent organizations guarantee that products with this label are truly “green.” This is part of an initiative intended to promote sustainable production and consumption, following criteria related to the environment and product features.
From the sales side of the issue, it feeds the production of products and services (except foods and medicines) that minimize their environmental impact. From the demand side of things, it educates and increases consumer awareness at the point of decision-making.
For more information, visit the website for the Europa Environment Ecolabel.
There are 23 groups of products and 250 licenses authorized for certain products.
The European Eco-label Catalogue
Sources: UNFCCC
