What are the ways to reduce CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important heat-trapping (greenhouse) gas, which is released through human activities such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, as well as natural processes such as respiration and volcanic eruptions. Current CO2 levels are the highest in 15 million years.

Global warming and ocean acidification have a significant adverse impact on natural and human systems. Although carbon fertilization of plants increase plant growth and improves water use efficiency, these positive effects are expected to diminish gradually as the CO2 concentration increases in future.

How to reduce CO2 levels?

At global level, we need to transform the way we live at every level to reverse the rise of CO2.To start with a major global network of CO2 density sensors will need to be established to provide real time data on levels of CO2 in major cities. This can then be verified using satellites and conveyed to global data centers for CO2 management.

The following steps can help, if all nations and governments agree to do so:

• Mega drive to plant tress in Green corridors which will be areas identified by each country. Canals and water channels to be created to support reforestation.
• Phytoplankton farms on surface of ocean in international waters can be considered as oceans cover 70% of earth’s surface and Phytoplanktons are natural CO2 fixers.
• Reduce the burning of fossil fuels by Immediate change from fuel combustion engines based vehicles to electric vehicles.
• Community kitchens to be opened to reduce the use of LPG, wood, coal for cooking. Private kitchens to be abolished in cities and villages.
• Products to be evaluated internationally before allowed for production. Only essential products to be allowed to be manufactured.
• Each product to be rated on biodegradability index of international standards.
• Companies to be rated on CO2 footprint index, linked to taxes and rebates.
• Efficient public transportation, metros to be introduced in high population density areas.
• Zero open fires law to be introduced globally, with ZERO tolerance.
• A global rating index to be created to rate co2 managing efforts by each country under the defined targets and timelines.
• Total ban on wars, weapons, nuclear testing and ammunition manufacturing.
• International Funds to be created for cooperation in fighting forest fires and specialized training for fire fighters in all countries.
• New bio degradable materials to be researched and evolved for packaging needs. Know how to be shared globally under humanities act.
• New ideas, challenges, innovations, developments and understandings to be explored in by global Scientists network to reduce CO2 footprints globally.

Well, Unless and until the world leaders unite to take a united stand, recognizing the drastic results of increasing CO2 in future, there is little hope.

However as an individual we all have a responsibility towards our environment and can take the following steps to reduce CO2 footprint.

• Plant Trees – More the better, every hour, every day.
• Avoid paper products, like printed newspaper or books. Download and read on mobile instead.
• Avoid single use plastic products and polythene bags.
• Don’t burn of trash, wood, waste products. Instead Recycle or use as compost.
• Use solar heaters and cookers as much as possible.
• Switch to Solar Power, limit your usage of high wattage appliances.
• Use energy efficient electrical appliances, lights to reduce power consumption.
• Avoid traveling by private vehicle, instead use public transport whenever possible.
• Start riding a bicycle to work – you will soon realize its positive impact on your health!
• Be sensitive towards environment and share your knowledge with others so that they may also join your efforts in reducing CO2.

These are but some of the ways, which can reduce the CO2 footprint, but unless we are ready to change our way of living and start acting responsible, there is little we will achieve.

There’s can’t be ignorance, half hearted efforts or deceiving plans because it is about survival of Earth. Either we will be able to do it, or we won’t. There is no scope for denial.

It is not going to be easy letting go of that state of the art racecar or fuel guzzling motorbike, but riding a bicycle has its own charm. The biggest challenge will be the business hub, weapons manufacturers and politicians, as we will have little use for them as the world will become one, wars will end and co-operation will begin. In the end is entirely upon us to evolve and take responsibility of our habitat EARTH, now, or it will be too late to turn back the hands of time.