The energy sector’s contribution to global warming: What can be done?

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The energy sector is the most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for a staggering 73% of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It means that how we produce and use energy is a significant factor in the rising temperatures, more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and storms we are experiencing. It is time to take a closer look at how the energy sector impacts the environment and what we can do to change course. In this article, we will explore the impact of the energy sector on the environment and delve into the changes needed to reduce emissions in this sector.

How is the energy sector responsible for climate change?

The energy sector contributes to carbon emissions due to several reasons, as described below:

1. Combustion of fossil fuels

The primary source of carbon emissions from the energy sector is burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas to generate electricity and power transportation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2020, the combustion of fossil fuels accounted for about 74% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions globally. (IEA, 2021).

2. Manufacturing

Energy-intensive industries such as cement and steel production are the primary sources of manufacturing-related carbon emissions. These industries rely heavily on fossil fuels to power their operations, leading to significant carbon emissions. (EIA, 2021).

3. Extraction, refining, and transportation of fuels

The energy sector also generates emissions during fossil fuel extraction, refining, and transportation. For example, crude oil production emits greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, from drilling, flaring, and venting. Similarly, transporting fuels by ships, pipelines, and trucks requires energy, resulting in additional emissions. (IPCC, 2021).

4. Heating and cooling buildings

Finally, energy-related activities such as heating and cooling buildings and lighting contribute to carbon emissions. According to the IEA, buildings accounted for approximately 28% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. (IEA, 2016).

How to reduce emissions in the energy sector?

Several changes can be made in the energy sector to reduce emissions, including:

Increasing the use of renewable energy

One of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions is to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources accounted for about 29% of global electricity generation in 2020, and this share is expected to increase further.(IEA, 2021).

Improving energy efficiency

Another way to reduce emissions is to improve energy efficiency by using energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and building materials. The IEA estimates that implementing cost-effective energy efficiency measures could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by about 40%. (IEA, 2021).

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)

CCUS technologies can capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and store them underground or use them in other applications. Although CCUS is still in the early stages of development, it has the potential to play a significant role in reducing emissions from the energy sector. (IPCC, 2021).

 Carbon capture technology is a promising approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. One of its advantages is that it can enable the continued use of fossil fuels, which are still a significant part of the global energy mix. However, it can be costly to implement and operate, which could pose economic challenges.(IEA, 2021) Additionally, there are concerns about the potential risks of underground carbon storage, including the possibility of leaks or other environmental impacts. Despite these challenges, carbon capture technology may be essential in meeting emissions reduction targets and achieving sustainability (IEA, 2021).

Transitioning away from fossil fuels

Finally, completely transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential to reduce carbon emissions. This includes increasing the use of renewable energy sources and phasing out the use of coal, oil, and natural gas for power generation and transportation (IEA, 2021).

Additionally, firm policies, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, energy efficiency standards, subsidies for renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and research and development funding, can help achieve the necessary changes to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector.

In conclusion, the energy sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which cause global warming and its associated impacts. However, we can all play a role in reducing our carbon footprint by making conscious decisions about how we consume and produce energy. By supporting the transition to renewable energy, demanding policies, investing in energy-efficient technologies, and divesting from fossil fuels, we can help move towards a better tomorrow!

References

1. IEA. (2021). Global Energy Review 2021. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2021 
2. Energy Information Administration. (2021). Manufacturing energy consumption survey (MECS). https://www.eia.gov/consumption/manufacturing/https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/ 
3. IEA. (2016). Energy and Air Pollution 2016. https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-air-pollution
4. EA. (2021). Global Energy Review 2021. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2021
5.  IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: Mitigation of Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/
6. International Energy Agency. (2021). CCUS in clean energy transitions. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/ccus-in-clean-energy-transitions
7. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global warming of 1.5°C. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/

The energy sector’s contribution to global warming: What can be done?

About Post Author

Yazhini Srinivasan

Yazhini Srinivasan is an International Student at Fleming College. She is currently doing her Post Graduate Certification in Sustainable Waste Management after completing her Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. She is highly passionate about waste diversion methodologies and finding solutions to climate change.

Yazhinisrinivasan01@gmail.com

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