Climate change is a worldwide problem. Every country is responsible for emissions that contribute to global warming. Some countries emit more than others. While 3 percent of global emission comes from the countries that emit the least, it is 68% for the top 10 nations. This means that everyone needs to take action to reduce global warming, but it is especially important for countries that create the most emissions to take the lead.
Fossil fuels' environmental impact
There are many pollutants that result from fossil fuel combustion, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate material, carbon monoxide and mercury. These air pollutants are dangerous to our health and can lead to diseases such as asthma and cancer. Additionally, fossil fuel pollution can cause damage to crops and water supplies as well as acid rain. Globally, one in five deaths is caused by fossil fuel pollution. Fossil fuel combustion is the main cause of air pollution in the United States. The fossil fuel combustion produces 85% or more of all the sulfur dioxide and Nitro oxide emissions.
Fossil fuels are responsible for 80 percent of the world's primary energy demand, and they are also the biggest source of CO2 emission. These emissions are undercounted, and they are likely to be much greater than previously thought. Inefficient and polluting use of biomass fuels in cooking and small-scale heating can also impact indoor air quality in less developed countries. These factors make the use of fossil fuels a concern when considering the future of sustainable development.
Public support for renewable energy
The public's support for renewable energy has grown in recent years but not at an equal rate as climate change acceptance. Overall support for renewable energy is higher than for climate change, but the contrast between the two views is greater in conservative regions. Although it is not conclusive at this point, it will have significant implications for renewable power advocates in conservative regions.
Younger Americans are more open to renewable energy development. However, the support for more exploration of fossil resources is low. While 79% of respondents think the United States should increase their oil production, less that 25% favor increased drilling.
Mitigation options
There are several mitigation options to address climate change, including demand-side strategies. These strategies emphasize consumer choices, technology adoption and lifestyles. These strategies are distinct from supply-side solutions, which aim to modify production technologies. It is important to find synergistic solutions and minimize costs.
Carbon pricing is one key climate policy. It can accelerate the development clean technologies. To reduce global GHG emission by half by 2030, it would take $100 per ton.
Climate change is primarily driven by human activity
The atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases have increased dramatically since the Industrial Revolution. The major contributor to climate change is carbon dioxide. However, there are other greenhouse gases that can also be a factor. Despite the fact humans have lived on Earth for hundreds of years, we are only now starting to see the real impact of our actions.
Fossil fuels have been a major source of greenhouse gases. Coal and other fossil fuels have high levels carbon dioxide. They are the most important energy source for global economies. The carbon content of these fuels varies from one type to another, but coal is the highest. The main source of greenhouse gases is also the inefficient non-commercial traditional fuels. Tropical deforestation contributes about a quarter of all current carbon dioxide omissions. This contribution to carbon dioxide emissions is expected to decrease in comparison to fossil fuels emissions in the near future.
Education impact on public views
Education generally has a positive effect on public opinion on climate change, renewable energies and other issues. Its effect on Republicans is however less evident. In northeast Oregon, where there is a weak education effect, the relationship between education support and renewable energy and ACC is less pronounced.
The UNESCO website states that "Investing in knowledge pays best interest." In addition, UNESCO believes that education is a critical factor in curbing global climate change. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals have been approved by UNESCO.