Human-induced climate change is caused, among other things, by harmful greenhouse gases, with one in particular being emitted by industrial society: Carbon dioxide. In this article, you will learn what carbon dioxide does in the atmosphere, why it’s important to save CO2 and how you can do this in your everyday life.
Rising concentrations
Carbon dioxide is a molecule consisting of one carbon and two oxygen atoms and is a natural component of the air and atmosphere. It’s produced during cellular respiration in many living organisms, but also during the combustion of materials such as wood or coal. In contrast to other greenhouse gases, it is decomposed only very slowly and takes about 120 years to do so, thus remaining in the atmosphere until then. It can only be stored in water, e.g. oceans, or transformed by plants during photosynthesis. There is a natural carbon cycle on earth, which humans are increasingly upsetting.
Since the beginning of industrialization around 1840, the global concentration of carbon dioxide has increased by 44%. The same applies to methane, which is 25 times more harmful to the climate than CO2. The release of methane is mainly due to anthropogenic causes, such as factory farming, landfills or leaks in gas pipelines.
Greenhouse effect
The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases has an effect on the earth’s atmosphere, the natural greenhouse effect is intensified. When short-wave solar radiation reaches the earth, it is reflected as long-wave radiation in the direction of space. In the process, however, it first encounters the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which absorb part of the radiation and then emit it back toward the earth. The result is global warming, which continues to rise due to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases.
This global temperature increase leads to unforeseeable consequences, such as the melting of glaciers or the rise of sea levels. Therefore, it is essential to do something against the climate-damaging emissions and to keep global warming as low as possible.
Saving CO2
Since there are a variety of emission sources, there are also many possibilities to save CO2. The following applies: Less is more. A frugal as well as down-to-earth lifestyle usually goes hand in hand with a high degree of sustainability. It’s time to repair, resell and share instead of mindlessly chasing after consumerism. Here are a few suggestions on how you can protect the climate and save carbon dioxide in your everyday life.
Take public transportation or bike to work
A daily commute of 10 km produces more than 400 kg of CO2 per year. Public transportation is more economical, and biking to work is even emission-free, while promoting your health and fitness at the same time.
Climate-friendly nutrition
The production of one kilo of beef causes about 13 kilos of carbon dioxide, pork and chicken are about 3 to 4 kilos. Butter is also an often underestimated climate killer. It produces 23 kilograms of CO2 per kilo, which is more than meat production. If you want to do something for the climate, you should take a look at the vegetarian and vegan range of products and switch to climate-friendly alternatives as and when you like. In addition, it is helpful to buy seasonal as well as regional products, since the transport route is much shorter here and some non-seasonal foods are sprayed with CO2 for their shelf life.
Relaxing on vacation
When traveling by air, enormous amounts of emissions are blown into the air. Depending on the destination, long-distance buses have become a popular alternative to trains as a more climate-friendly way to get to your vacation destination. And by the way, you save yourself the chaos at the airport and your suitcase doesn’t get lost either.
Saving electricity, water & money
Not only greener, but also cheaper. If you use electricity and water sparingly, you also save money. Toggle switches, LED lamps and water-saving shower heads help. Moreover, in addition to rainwater, for example, the water in which vegetables were cooked can subsequently be used to water flowers.
Omitting almost fashion
One particularly emissions-intensive sector is the manufacture of clothing. It’s hard to believe, but in 2015 more climate-damaging gases were released in the process than in air and sea travel combined. That’s why it’s important to deal responsibly with sweaters, jeans and the like. 2nd-hand stores or corresponding online platforms are recommended. Here you can buy inexpensive pieces, as well as fill your own cash register again with the sale.
In order to keep global warming within limits, it is essential that every individual tries to behave and consume in a climate-friendly and sustainable way within their means. We humans share the same planet and should make every effort to preserve it with all its resources for as long as possible instead of exploiting them recklessly.
