Carbon emissions are the release of carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Releasing carbon into the atmosphere is a natural phenomenon, but since the start of the industrial revolution we’ve been pumping in more carbon into the air than what our atmosphere can handle. Compounding the problem are the other greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer and traps heat within the atmosphere. This has resulted in extreme weather changes which would make some places in the planet uninhabitable in the future.
Carbon emissions aren’t just the result of industry. A major contributor of carbon emissions is the human activity in rural and residential areas – with increased human activity comes increased carbon emissions. This has reached the point that we now consider carbon emissions and climate change a global crisis.
Impact of Carbon Emissions on Residential Areas
Most residential areas are built on places with moderate or mild weather, making them ideal for human habitat. But now we’re seeing extreme weather phenomenon like typhoons, drought and hale affecting these areas. What used to be a safe haven now experience natural disasters, resulting to damage to life and property.
Changes in weather also results in vegetation pattern changes. Vegetation is a factor on how water is distributed on land in the form of watersheds, lakes, etc,. But changes in plant distribution and the destruction of forests have resulted in water shortages and drought.
Climate change affects human health as well. The unpredictable weather is a factor in the rising number of illness like asthma, allergies and heat stroke.
Impact of Carbon Emissions on Rural Areas
Rural areas and the agricultural sectors are also affected by carbon emissions and climate change. The change in climate and extreme weather phenomena have affected planting and harvesting patterns. This has resulted to damaged or destroyed agricultural products and structures. And the loss often amounts to millions of dollars per year. Irrigation is no longer reliable in some parts of the country, affecting food production.
Drastic temperature changes also affected livestock health and quality. More and more animals are dying from disease or heat, resulting in added cost and waste for farmers.
What Can The Agricultural and Residential Industry Do?
As contributors to climate change, it’s our responsibility to find means to curb carbon emissions and mitigate the effects. The government has already instituted policies to this effect but there’s still more that needs to be done and not enough time.
If we all work together, there are steps we can take to help curb carbon emissions without affecting productivity or quality of life. Some of the viable solutions that can be implemented are:
• Improve energy and water conservation. This can be achieved by using more energy and water efficient tools, machines and practices.
• Advocating and using renewable energy solutions like solar or wind power.
• Reducing dependence on machines, tools and processes that use fossil fuels. Replace them with green technologies.
• Encourage the use of green landscaping and native plant revegetation to reduce carbon emissions
• Spread awareness on the effects of carbon emissions on the environment, human life and industry.
• Support moves or groups that bring about environmental accountability.
We can no longer ignore the effects of climate change on our lives or our role in allowing this to happen. It’s clear that it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to at least manage the effects and contribute to the solution. It entails some sacrifice but it’s not a heavy burden. By working together to curb carbon emissions, we can save the world and maybe even create a better one for generations to come.