Net-Zero Carbon Is Salvation From Global warming
Global warming is a huge problem for our planet. Gases like carbon dioxide contribute to global warming the most. Net-Zero carbon, also known as carbon neutrality, means that the production of CO2 is nil. Achieving net-zero carbon would greatly affect global warming and reduce the mean temperature of the Earth. Many countries are aiming for this goal and a few have succeeded. Also, the reduction in temperature will slow down the rate at which the polar region is melting and in addition, it would slow down the rise of sea levels.
USA (Local Perspective)
The USA is the second-largest carbon emitter in the world. The government of the US seems to be quite unlikely to restrict the use of activities that produce greenhouse gases. However, states like California are taking action. The former governor of California signed a carbon-neutral order and the state also passed a law to make electricity 100% renewable by the year 2045.
Bhutan (Global)
The government in Bhutan aimed to make the country as environmental-friendly as possible. The introduction of a few new policies in the year 2009 caused carbon production to decrease drastically. There were agreements such as that forest areas cannot go below 60%. Hydroelectric power was also encouraged and the burning of fossil fuels decreased. Also, the government distributed hundreds of electric cars in a partnership with Nissan. Now, Bhutan is the only country in the world that has achieved net-zero carbon.
India(Global)
India is the most polluted country in the world and also faces problems with acid rain the commerce minister of India had decided to make the Indian railways zero carbon emissions by the year 2030. The commerce minister, Piyush Goyal plans to power the railways with 10% of the electricity requirements with renewable resources by 2020. Other than that, India has no further plans toward achieving net-zero carbon.
France(Global)
French lawmakers voted for a plan that says to go carbon neutral by 2050. This law was passed and France has decided to reduce fossil fuel use up to 40% by 2030 and even greatly reduce it after that. The French government also targets to pace up the development of low carbon emissions and renewable hydrogen emitters. They also use a monitoring system to keep pollution at a limit.
USA and Bhutan
Bhutan, being a less developed country sees fewer people that use carbon emissions and finds it easier to maintain and reduce carbon emissions but whereas the USA has the majority of people using carbon emissions and finds it more difficult to achieve net-zero carbon.
USA and India
India is a highly polluted country and is taking action not only due to climate change but also because the health of many citizens is on the line along with the damage to buildings since acid rain is a rising issue. The USA is not facing as much pollution as India but they are not taking much care of global warming at all.
USA and France
France, being a developed country, is using the government's power to keep pollution under control and has future plans as well. They are keen on protecting the environment. The US on the other hand also has future plans but at the moment they are not much active on this issue.
Evaluation
The article about the USA is biased because it says that the USA is the second-largest carbon emitter in the world. Later, it is not biased when it mentions how California is taking action.
The article about Bhutan is not biased as it mentions that they are aiming to make the country as environment-friendly as possible.
The article on India is biased until it says that they are planning to make railways powered with 10% of its requirements with renewable resources.
The article about France is not biased because it mentions how the French lawmakers are voting to make the country carbon neutral by the year 2050.
Reflection
The release of greenhouses gases contributes greatly to climate change. If this continues at the current rate, climate change will happen in the near future. In my opinion, the USA must go carbon neutral and must do so as soon as possible. Other countries such as China and India must also take a step forward. Otherwise, sea levels will rise, many animals would lose their habitats and new mass extinction may also happen.
Conclusion
More than 60 countries have ambitions to be net-zero carbon but that would only be 11% of the world. India, the USA, and China produce the most carbon dioxide and they do have plans to reduce their production of harmful gases but they do not plan to go 100% carbon neutral yet. With these three countries together producing about 50% of the carbon dioxide, the participation of the other 60+ countries that aim for carbon neutrality will not be able to affect global warming much.
Problem Solving
Countries, especially the highest in releasing greenhouse gases, must try to have similar goals like Bhutan. Almost 50% of the production of greenhouse gases is from India, China, and the USA alone. If these three countries reduce their carbon production, it would be a massive effect. They can use cars which run on electricity instead of fuel. The use of solar power or other renewable resources is also a good way to achieve carbon neutrality.
References
- Siegel. (2018, May 18). Zero dark 2018: A current look at California's net-zero building goal of 2020. Retrieved from https://www.greenbiz.com/article/zero-dark-2018-current-look-californias-net-zero-building-goal-2020
- Protano-Goodwin, T. (2019, October 29). Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world. Retrieved from https://www.gvi.co.uk/blog/bhutan-carbon-negative-country-world/
- Bhaskar, U. (2019, October 15). Indian Railways to become 'net zero' carbon emitter by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.livemint.com/news/india/indian-railways-to-become-net-zero-carbon-emitter-by-2030-11571123638330.html
- 2019, B. G. staff28 J., staff, B. G., & 2019, 28 J. (2019, June 28). Global Briefing: France sets 2050 net zero goal. Retrieved from https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news-analysis/3077799/global-briefing
