Carbon emissions refer to the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, human activity accounts for close to 80% of all CO2 U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
What is carbon dioxide?
Carbon dioxide is a natural gas in the Earth’s atmosphere. The Earth cycles CO2 throughout nature, including the oceans, soil, plants, and animals. Although this gas is always present in the atmosphere, people affect the carbon cycle. Humans increase the CO2 through activities like driving, burning charcoal, and cutting down forests. Plants thrive on CO2 and absorb it, while releasing oxygen for humans and animals to breathe. But with the extra CO2 from human activity, plants can’t keep up.
Why should you care about carbon emissions?
High levels of carbon emissions, other gases, and pollution in our atmosphere create a warming effect, which is called global warming. Global warming is a big concern in every part of the world. Right now, polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate, not to mention increased worldwide natural disasters. This creates problems for natural habitats, wildlife, and even humans! Have you seen coverage of recent forest fires on the West Coast due to heat waves and drought? Many scientists believe global warming is the culprit behind these intense, dangerous changes in weather.
You can be an agent of change!
Increased carbon emissions affect climate change and trees help absorb the CO2. Don’t just talk about the climate crisis - become an agent of change! Get involved with Tree Lafayette and do more to help. You can volunteer your time, talent, or money to aid in planting and caring for trees. You can also help educate others to promote a healthy environment. Let's do more about the climate crisis now! Click here to become an active volunteer, learn more about the importance of trees, or join our e-newsletter to stay informed.
Source Link: epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases