Impact of energy uses on the environment

All activities performed require energy. The primary source of energy for human activities is natural resources. There are two types of natural resources for energy. These are renewable sources or non-renewable sources. Utilization of these resources will have an impact on the environment. Utilization of non-renewable sources will have more impact on the environment. Some examples of non-renewable sources are coal, oil, gas, etc. Their main impacts on the environment are the production of greenhouse gases, global warming, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion.

Global warming:

An increase in average air temperature near earth surface is called global warming. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have effects on the environment, ecosystems, weather patterns, and human societies. These all accumulate carbon dioxide and air pollution in the environment. They absorb sunlight heat and solar radiation to cause global warming.

Effects of Global Warming

The following are the effects of global warming

1. Rising Temperatures: Global warming leads to a rise in average global temperatures. This results in frequent and intense heat waves. This can cause heat-related illnesses and deaths in the elderly and the very young.

2. Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers: Global warming causes ice caps and glaciers to melt. This contributes to disrupting ecosystems dependent on ice, and rising sea levels, and causes danger to coastal communities and habitats.

3. Sea Level Rise: Sea level rise leads threat to coastal cities and low-lying islands. It increases the risk of flooding, erosion, and saltwater entry into freshwater sources.

4. Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to ocean acidification. This harms marine life. Millions of people depend on them for food and livelihoods.

5. Extreme Weather Events: Global warming is linked to an increase in extreme weather events such as cyclones, droughts, and heavy rainfall events. These events can cause loss of life and economic damage.

6. Disruption of Ecosystems: Many plant and animal species are changing their habitats and migration patterns due to global warming. The population of some species is declining. This causes a loss of biodiversity. This affects the ecosystem and human well-being.

7. Shifts in Agricultural Productivity: Changes in temperature patterns affect agricultural productivity. This leads to a decrease in crop production. This affects food security, food shortages, and malnutrition.

8. Health Impacts (Spread of Disease): Global warming causes air and water pollution. This increases the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. It worsens respiratory conditions.

9. Social and Economic Disruptions: The impacts of global warming worsen social inequalities and economic disparities. It leads to displacement of communities, loss of livelihoods, and increased conflicts over resources such as water and arable land 

Green House Effect

The greenhouse effect regulates the Earth's temperature and enables life on the planet. It's a natural phenomenon. This process is essential for maintaining a habitable climate and human activities.

Mechanism of the Greenhouse Effect

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation strengthen the greenhouse effect. This leads to global warming and climate change.

1. Sunlight: The Sun emits energy in the form of sunlight. Sunlight enters the Earth's atmosphere. Sunlight energy is absorbed by the earth's surface.

2. Radiation Absorption: The Earth's surface emits sunlight energy as infrared radiation or heat.

3. Greenhouse Gases: Certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere are known as greenhouse gases. They act like a blanket. They trap some of the infrared radiation. Examples of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), water vapor (H2O), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane, and various fluorinated gases.

4. Natural Balance: The greenhouse gases in the atmosphere keep the Earth's temperature hospitable for life as we know it.

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming and climate change. The following human activities enhance the greenhouse effect:

1. Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. This increases the concentration of CO2 enhancing the greenhouse effect.

2. Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2. This leads to higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

3. Industrial Processes: Industrial activities produce various greenhouse gases as byproducts such as methane and other florinated gases.

The enhanced greenhouse effect causes the following:

1. Global Warming: The average global temperature is increasing due to the enhanced greenhouse effect. This leads to changes in weather patterns, melting ice caps and glaciers, and rising sea levels.

2. Climate Change: Changes in temperature and weather patterns affect ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human health. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe.

3. Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess CO2 by the oceans leads to ocean acidification. This can harm marine life.

Depletion of Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is a region of the Earth's stratosphere. It protects life on Earth by absorbing the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Several human activities release ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halogens, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and other ozone-depleting chemicals. This depletes the ozone layer.

Depletion of the ozone layer leads to a thinning of the ozone layer. This thinning allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. It poses serious risks to human health, ecosystems, and the environment.

Effects of ozone Layer Depletion

The depletion of the ozone layer has a range of harmful effects on human health, ecosystems, and the environment.

1. Increased Skin Cancer Risk: Depletion of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface. This leads to higher rates of skin cancer, cataracts, and other UV-related health issues.

2. Impact on Human Health: In addition to skin cancer, excessive UV exposure weakens the immune system, premature aging of the skin, eye damage, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

3. Harm to Marine Life: UV radiation can penetrate water and harm marine organisms and the marine food. This leads to the loss of biodiversity and fisheries.

4. Damage to Ecosystems: Ozone depletion also affects ecosystems by harming plant growth and reducing crop yields. This impacts food chains and biodiversity.

5. Impact on Wildlife: UV radiation causes harm to wild animals. This damages DNA, developmental abnormalities, and reduces the reproductive system.

6. Economic Impacts: Ozone depletion effects on the health and ecosystem damages economic consequences. Increased healthcare costs, reduced agricultural productivity, and damage to fisheries and tourism industries cause economic losses.

Acid Rain

Acid rain is a form of rain that contains high levels of acidic compounds such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). It occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NO) combine with atmospheric moisture to form acidic compounds. Acidic rain is harmful to the environment, ecosystems, and human health.

Types of Acid Rain

Acid rain is divided into two primary types based on the acidic compounds present in the rainfall:

1. Sulfuric Acid Rain: Sulfuric acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide (SO2) reacts with atmospheric moisture to produce sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This type of acid rain occurs in regions with high concentrations of industrial activity, coal-fired power plants, and transportation emissions.

2. Nitric Acid Rain: Nitric acid rain results from the oxidation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) which is emitted from vehicles, industrial processes, and agricultural activities. Nitrogen oxides react with atmospheric moisture to form nitric acid (HNO3). Nitric acid causes acid rain formation. Nitric acid rain is associated with urban areas with high levels of vehicular traffic and industrial emissions.

Acid rain is divided into the following two classes based on physical property.

1. Wet deposition: It refers to acidic rain, fog, and snow. Acidic water flows over and through the ground. It affects a variety of plants and animals.

2. Dry deposition – It refers to acidic gases and particles. About half of the acidity in the atmosphere falls back to earth through dry deposition.

Causes of Acid Rain:

1. Fossil Fuel Combustion: The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

2. Industrial Processes: Industrial activities such as metal smelting, oil refining, and chemical manufacturing also release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

3. Transportation: Vehicles emit nitrogen oxides that cause acid rain. Diesel engine generates more NO than petrol engines.

Effects of Acid Rain:

1. Environmental Damage: Acid rain harms forests, soils, and bodies of water. It decreases essential nutrients from the soil, damages plants, and weakens trees. Acid rain lowers the pH of lakes, rivers, and rivers. This affects the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.

2. Erosion of Buildings and Infrastructure: The acidic compounds in acid rain corrode metals; deteriorate building materials, and damage statues and monuments made of stone.

Solutions (Control) to Acid Rain:

1. Regulatory Measures: Governments regulate emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industrial sources and power plants.

2. Pollution Control Technologies: Industries install pollution control devices to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

3. Alternative Energy Sources: Transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as renewable energy (wind, solar, hydroelectric) and nuclear power reduces dependence on fossil fuels and decreases emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

Eco-friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials are alternatives that minimize harmful effects on the environment. The following are some prominent eco-friendly materials:

1. Bamboo: Several eco-friendly materials are made of bamboo. Its cultivation requires minimal water and no pesticides. Thus it is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood. Bamboo is used for furniture, flooring, textiles, and even as a substitute for plastic in packaging.

2. Recycled Materials: Recycling reduces waste and conserves resources. Recycled materials such as recycled plastic, glass, and metal are options for various products such as packaging, building materials, and textiles. Utilizing recycled materials diverts waste from landfills. It reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Cork: Cork is the bark of cork oak trees. Cork is a renewable and biodegradable material with excellent properties. It is lightweight, impermeable to liquids and gases, and possesses natural thermal insulation properties. Cork is used in flooring, insulation, fashion accessories, and wine bottle stoppers. Cork is an alternative to synthetic materials.

4. Hemp: Hemp is a fast-growing crop that requires minimal water, pesticides, and fertilizers to cultivate. It yields strong fibers suitable for textiles, ropes, and paper. Hemp cultivation also improves soil health and biodiversity. It is an environmentally friendly option for various industries.

5. Recycled Paper: Paper made from recycled fibers reduces the demand for wood and minimizes deforestation. Recycled paper products are packaging, stationery, and tissue paper. Additionally, using chlorine-free bleaching processes further reduces environmental impact.

6. Natural Fabrics: Natural fibers such as organic cotton, linen, and wool are alternatives to synthetic fabrics. These fibers are biodegradable and renewable. They are produced using eco-friendly farming practices. This minimizes water usage, chemical, and soil degradation.

7. Bioplastics: It is derived from renewable biomass sources such as plant starches, sugars, vegetable oils, etc. Bioplastics are alternatives to plastics obtained from fossil fuels. Bioplastics are biodegradable and recyclable. It reduces dependence on non-renewable resources and reduces plastic pollution.

Recycling of Material,

Recycling is a process to turn used materials into new products. It helps to reduce the waste and save the planet. The following materials are recyclable: Plastic, Paper, Cardboard, Cans, Batteries, Glass, Clothes, Electronics, Wood, Metal, etc. All materials are not recyclable

Benefits: Recycling materials has the following advantages.

1. Conservation of natural resources,

2. Waste Reduction

3. Energy saving

4. Economic opportunities,

5. Conservation of land and wildlife

6. Reduction of pollution,

7. Slow down climate change

8. Promote economy

9. Create job opportunities.

Recycling of Glass: Glass is an ideal product to be recycled because it does not degrade during its use. Borosilicate glass (Pyrex) is not used for recycling. Its presence in a furnace with other glass changes the viscosity of molten glass.

1. Collection: Glasses to be recycled are called cullet. There are two types of cullet: Internal culet and external culet. Defective glass products produced inside the glass industry are called internal cullets. Bottles, jars, and other glass containers collected from households, businesses, and recycling center is called external cullet.

2. Sorting: Collected glass materials are sorted by color. They are checked for the contaminants in glass such as plastics, metal caps, labels, etc.

3. Cleaning: Glass containers are washed to remove Contaminants.

4. Crushing and melting: Cleaned glasses are crushed into small pieces. It is called a cullet. Cullet is melted in a furnace at high temperature (Around 2600 to 2800 degrees F).

5. Shaping and forming: Molten glass is shaped into a new product using techniques like blowing, molding, or pressing.

6. Cooling and finishing: The shaped glass product is cooled slowly till it retains a stable shape.

Recycling of Plastic: The following are steps to recycle plastic

1. Collection: Plastic wastes are collected from households, businesses, and recycling centers.

2. Sorting: The collected plastic is sorted by type color and grade. Other contaminants like paper, metal, and other non-plastic materials are removed.

3. Shredding: The sorted plastics are shredded into small pieces or flakes.

4. Washing: Shredded plastics are washed to remove dirt and remaining contaminants.

5. Melting and Pelletizing: The cleaned plastic flakes are melted into small pellets by a process called extrusion. These pellets are called nurdles. Nurdles are used to make new plastic products.

6. Forming: The plastic pellets are melted and molded into new product by techniques such as injection molding, blow molding, and thermoforming.

Recycling of Aluminum: Aluminum is a recyclable material. It retains properties even after repeated recycling. Aluminum Recycling requires a lower temperature to melt than aluminum obtained from ores. Thus recycling aluminum saves energy. The following steps are followed in recycling aluminum

1. Collection: Aluminum canes, foils, scraps, and other aluminum products are collected from households, businesses, and recycling centers.

2. Sorting: The collected aluminum is sorted by its types and alloy composition.

3. Shredding and Melting: The sorted material is shredded into small pieces or chips. These chips are melted in a furnace at temperature around 660 degrees F to 1220 degrees F.

4. Refining: Impurities such as paints or other contaminants are removed from the molten aluminum.

5. Casting: Refined molten aluminum is converted into blocks. It is called ingots or billets.

6. Rolling or Extrusion: Aluminum ingots are rolled into sheets or extruded into various shapes.

7. Fabrication: Rolled or extruded aluminum is fabricated into a finished product.

Recycling of Iron and steel: Iron and steel are commonly called ferrous metals. The following are steps to recycle iron and metals

1. Collection: Scrap iron and steel are collected from households, construction sites, and industries.

2. Sorting: The collected scraps are sorted by type, grade, and composition.

3. Processing: The sorted scraps are processed to remove non-metallic contaminants like paint, coating, plastic, etc.

4. Melting: The processed scrap metal is melted in a furnace at temperature 1500 to 1800 degrees C. Molten iron is further refined to adjust chemical composition.

5. Casting: Molten aluminum is cast into molds or ingots. Ingots are solid blocks.

6. Rolling: Ingots are rolled into sheets, plates, or bars.

7. Fabrication: Rolled metals are fabricated into finished products.

Concept of Green Buildings

The concept of green building is the creation of environment-friendly structures that are resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. A green building is an eco-friendly structure constructed to minimize environmental impact throughout its life. It includes eco-friendly from the planning stage to the demolition stage. The following are the main points of green building:

1. Resource efficiency: Green building uses less energy, water, and materials. Green building conserves energy, and water and maintains a healthy indoor environment.

2. Renewable energy: Green buildings have solar panels, or geothermal systems to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Site selection: The site to build a greenhouse is selected carefully. The site should allow features to reduce energy use,.

4. Indoor environmental quality: Green buildings are most suitable for the health of occupants. This has a well-ventilation facility, natural light, and use of non-toxic materials.

5. Life Cycle Approach: Green building minimizes the impact on environment throughout its life span even during renovation and demolition.

Concept of Carbon Credit

A carbon credit is a trading scheme to reduce emissions greenhouse gas emissions.

Definition: Carbon credit is a permit or certificate that allows the holder to emit carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases.

The following are some concepts related to carbon credits:

1. Reduction: Carbon credits are generated when a project reduces greenhouse gas emissions below emitted without the project. This reduction is quantified and certified.

2. Trading: Carbon credits can be bought, sold, and traded on the carbon market. This creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce their emissions.

3. Cap and Trade: A regulatory authority sets a cap on the total amount of emissions allowed. Companies that emit less than their allocated limit can sell their excess credits to those that exceed their limit.

4. Project Types: Carbon credits can be generated through various types of projects such as renewable energy projects (e.g., wind farms, solar power), energy efficiency improvements, reforestation projects, and methane capture from landfills or agriculture.

5. Certification: Carbon credits must be certified by recognized standards such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), or Gold Standard.

6. Additionality: Projects must demonstrate additionality. This means the emissions reductions should be associated with the financial incentive provided by the carbon credits.

7. Carbon Offsetting (Balancing): Individuals or organizations can purchase carbon credits to balance their own emissions. This neutralizes their carbon footprint.

8. Voluntary vs. Compliance Markets: Carbon markets can be voluntary. Individuals or organizations voluntarily balance their emissions. It may be compliance-based. Companies are legally bound to meet emission reduction targets.

9. Co-Benefits: Carbon-balancing projects bring additional environmental, social, and economic benefits to communities. It improves air and water quality, job creation, and biodiversity conservation.

Advantages Of Carbon Credit:

1. Reducing the amount of Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions in the atmosphere.

2. Keep the environment clean

3. Generate revenue.

4. Decrease the cost of renewable technologies.

5. Empower developed countries to assist developing countries with technology transfer.

Carbon footprint

The carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and its equivalents emitted directly or indirectly by human activities. It's often expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). It is used as an indicator of the impact of individuals, organizations, products, or events on climate change. The following are the main features of the carbon footprint:

1. Scope of Emissions: Carbon footprints typically encompass three scopes of emissions:

Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the person. Examples are emissions from burning fossil fuels in vehicles or combustion for heating.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heat, etc consumed by the person.

Scope 3: Other indirect emissions that occur by the activities of the person from sources not owned or directly controlled by the person. This includes emissions from the supply chain, business travel, employee commuting, etc.

2. Calculation: Carbon footprints are calculated by assessing the emissions associated with various activities or processes. This involves data collection on energy consumption, transportation methods, waste generation, and other relevant factors. The emissions are then converted into CO2e using standardized emission factors.

3. Factors Contributing to Carbon Footprint: Numerous factors contribute to an individual or organization's carbon footprint. These are:

• Energy consumption: Use of fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and cooling.

• Transportation: Emissions from vehicles used for commuting, business travel, and goods transportation.

• Consumption habits: Production, transportation, and disposal of goods and services.

• Waste generation: Emissions from the decomposition of organic waste in landfills.

4. Reducing Carbon Footprint: There are various strategies to reduce carbon footprints. These are:

5. Increasing energy efficiency: Adopting energy-efficient appliances, lighting, etc.

6. Transitioning to renewable energy sources: Installing solar panels, and wind turbines, or purchasing renewable energy credits.

7. Sustainable transportation: Using public transportation, carpooling, cycling, or driving fuel-efficient vehicles.

8. Waste reduction and recycling: Minimizing waste generation and recycling materials to reduce emissions from landfill decomposition.

9. Carbon offsetting (Balancing): Supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to balance unavoidable emissions.

10. Importance: Understanding and reducing carbon footprints reduces climate change. Governments can contribute to limiting global warming by identifying and reducing emissions, individuals, and businesses.

Dr Pramila Singh