Carbon emissions are gases that arise due to the combustion process of compounds containing carbon. Every human activity will produce it because, after all, we breathe by emitting carbon dioxide gas (CO2).
Now, the problem is that the carbon emissions produced by humans do not only come from natural activities such as breathing but also the engines, industrial activities, and the use of coal-based electricity. This high carbon emission triggers the greenhouse effect, increasing the earth’s temperature.
So, what can we do to overcome it? What steps should we take to reduce it?
What are carbon emissions?
Carbon emissions are gases produced from compounds with carbon content combustion, such as carbon dioxide, gasoline, and LPG (liquid petroleum gas). The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) found that carbon emissions are the most significant contributor to greenhouse gases (63%).
Why is carbon dangerous for human survival? Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that absorbs radiation and prevents heat from escaping the Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, the Earth’s temperature rises and the climate changes.
Where do carbon emissions come from?
Almost all human activities produce carbon emissions. If you look at the economic sector alone, according to the IPCC, the following are activities that can trigger an increase in carbon emissions:
- Electricity and heat (25%).
- Agriculture, forestry, and other uses (24%). This point covers agriculture as well as deforestation (deforestation).
- Industry (21%).
- Transportation (14%).
- Other energy (10%) includes processes not directly related to the production of electricity or heat, such as the extraction and refining of fuels.
The impact of continuously emitting large amounts of carbon
As mentioned in the previous points, the continuous disposal of significant carbon emissions has a dangerous effect. These impacts affect human survival and the preservation of the earth as a human habitation.
The higher the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, the more difficult it will be for the earth to release heat. This is the fundamental property of carbon dioxide gas: it traps heat! As a result, heat is trapped in the earth. Often feel the weather is so hot lately? That is one of the real effects of high carbon emissions.
Activities that have been carried out to reduce the rate of carbon emissions in Indonesia
Although it is not easy, there are several ways to reduce it. Here are some of them;
1. Application of exhaust emission regulations
There need to be strict regulations from the government to suppress the increase in carbon emissions. In Indonesia itself, there are already several regulations to reduce it. One of them is DKI Jakarta Governor Regulation No. 66 of 2020 about Motor Vehicle Exhaust Gases. If it is found that the vehicle fails to meet the standards, the owner will be penalized.
2. Mangrove area restoration
Citing data from the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), the government has restored up to 300 thousand hectares of peatland and mangroves throughout 2021. In 2022, the government targets to restore 360 thousand hectares of peat and 228.2 hectares of mangrove area.
3. Green building
A Green building is a building that has environmentally friendly construction. The purpose is so that the environment remains sustainable and human health is guaranteed. Green building is not limited to installing plants on buildings. The whole process must also pay attention to the impact on the environment, from planning, constructing, and building keeping.
4. 3R and Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) waste management technology
3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) waste management technology reduces environmental pollution problems due to waste. In addition, the application of 3R produces products of economic value. Meanwhile, RDF is a process of converting waste into fuel (biomass).
5. Carbon trading implementation
Carbon trading is an activity of buying and selling carbon credits. If a country produces emissions below the set limit, it is entitled to carbon credits. On the other hand, if the emission is excessive, it will be subject to sanctions. Carbon credits can be used when the country needs to carry out activities that produce high emissions but have already reached the specified threshold.
6. Implementation of carbon tax rules
Recently, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance implemented a carbon tax. This tax is applied to several industrial sectors that contribute significant carbon emissions, such as steam power plants, transportation, and petrochemicals.
In large quantities, carbon emissions can have a hazardous impact. Therefore, the real action is needed to reduce emission production. Now, you can directly contribute to various green projects in Indonesia through AHA tokens. Come and take a look at the complete information about AHA tokens here! Also, make sure you don’t miss any information about go green activities and AHA tokens by following Instagram and Telegram AHA tokens.