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closelyobserved, flickr
Carbon emissions are the byproduct of burning fossil fuels as an energy source. The carbon dioxide created is more than the world's oceans can naturally absorb and the excess contributes to the Greenhouse Effect resulting in unprecedented climate change. The amount of carbon dioxide humans are putting into the atmosphere was at 1.6 billion tons in 1950, but was measured at 6.5 billion in 2000. By the year 2100, enough emissions will have been pumped into the environment to raise the Earth's temperature by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius.
Coal burning electrical plants accounts for the biggest single source of carbon emissions followed by transportation and industrial sectors and finally residential and commercial use. Wind, solar andtidal power plants can be used to generate electricity and decrease our dependence on fossil fuel burning technology. For cars, higher emissions standards for gas burning cars and more reliance on electrical cars as well as increased use of mass transit can cut down on that sectors pollution. For Industrial polluters, there is the carbon market and tighter governmental regulation. Some innovative industries are using algae which absorbs carbon dioxide or are transforming coal into hydrogen gas for other uses.
Individuals can use the EPA's online tool to discover what their household emissions are and what they can do the reduce them while saving money.
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