Advantages of Reducing CO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a major contributor to global warming and the greenhouse effect. Roughly 72 percent of all the greenhouse gases emitted are carbon dioxide. Methane accounts for 18 percent; nitrous oxide accounts for 9 percent; and other gases account for the remaining 1 percent. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere has increased by over 30 percent since the start of the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s. Reducing carbon dioxide can reduce global warming and pave the way to a healthier atmosphere for future generations.

Reverse Global Warming

• According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, carbon dioxide emissions and other air pollution collect in the Earth's atmosphere like a warm blanket, trapping the heat from the sun and warming the entire planet. The two largest sources of carbon dioxide in the United States are coal-burning power plants and emissions from automobiles.

  Citizens can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by planting trees and choosing hybrid cars and cars that burn less gas. Switching to a hybrid car can prevent about 16,000 pounds of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. By reducing the output of carbon dioxide in the air, it is possible to minimize the trend of global warming. The environment has natural carbon-absorbing capabilities, but this process takes time. In the current environment, humans are releasing more carbon dioxide than the environment is able to absorb. Reducing CO2 may help slow down global warming trends.

Reducing CO2 Saves Money

• Even if you don't believe in global warming, reducing your carbon dioxide emission can save you thousands of dollars a year. For example, if you replace three commonly used light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent bulbs, you will save 300 pounds of CO2 and save an average of $60 annually.

  Another way you can save money each year and reduce carbon dioxide is to adjust your thermostat up two degrees in the summer and down two degrees in the winter. This can save 2,000 pounds of CO2 and adds $98 extra in your wallet.

  As stated in section 1, buying a hybrid car can save the average driver about 16,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, and he or she will save approximately $3,750 a year in gas.

Cleaner Air

• When you reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, you can improve the air quality in your environment. Concerned citizens can help reduce the CO2 emissions by switching to a hybrid or more fuel-efficient car. Planting a single tree in your yard may also cut down on the level of CO2 in the environment. In its lifetime, one tree will absorb one ton of CO2 in the air. With cleaner air, humans may have fewer health problems.

Prevent Early Death and Health Problems

• In today's industrialized world, scientists consider carbon dioxide as a main pollutant in the Earth's atmosphere. C02 and other pollutants in the air contribute to bronchitis, asthma and other breathing-related health problems. By reducing how much carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it is possible to improve humans' health.

  Since the Clean Air Act was enacted in 1990, the reduction in air pollution has prevented 1.7 million asthma attacks, 130,000 heart attacks and 160,000 cases of premature deaths.