Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Causes and Impacts You Must Know

Excessive greenhouse gas emissions are one cause of climate change. These gases, entrapped in the atmosphere, hold Earth’s heat and worsen global warming.

Therefore, we must reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions to protect our Earth. This article discusses the ins and outs of greenhouse gas emissions, including the causes, impacts, and ways to tackle them. So, read the complete information below.

What Are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

Greenhouse gas emissions are a phenomenon where gases in the atmosphere absorb the infrared radiation and heat from Earth. Then, they will radiate them in many directions.

In fact, this natural phenomenon is beneficial for our planet because it can maintain a warm temperature. However, with the utilization of non-renewable energy and other human activities, the production of gases in the atmosphere is getting out of control.

As a result, greenhouse gas emissions hold too much heat and infrared in the atmosphere, making the Earth scorching. This causes climate change and global warming.

In general, the gases in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. They act like the glass in a greenhouse, retaining heat to keep the temperature warm. Some examples of greenhouse gases are methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases, and carbon dioxide.

Those gases create an insulating layer that prevents the Earth's heat from escaping into space. However, impulsive human activity produces more gases in the atmosphere, trapping more of the Earth's heat, making the temperature hotter, and leading to global warming.

Annually, the production of greenhouse gas emissions keeps increasing. Our World in Data noted that in 2023, the produced greenhouse gas emissions globally reached 53.82 billion tons.

The graphics have also increased in the past 100 years. That’s why we must reduce global warming and climate change to ensure that Earth can still support life inside.

Causes of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions come from various sources, either naturally or due to human activity. Here are some greenhouse gas emission causes you should know:

1. Agricultural Activity

Agricultural activities can cause greenhouse gas emissions, especially from livestock like cows that release methane during digestion.

Large numbers of livestock release more methane into the atmosphere. In addition, cultivated rice fields also produce methane, especially if the rice fields are flooded, allowing anaerobic processes to occur and release more methane into the atmosphere.

2. Fossil Combustion Activity

Fossil combustion is one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil energy, such as coal and natural gas, is the source for power plants, industry, and transportation. The process of fossil combustion can emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Moreover, other gases, like nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, also cause air pollution.

The combustion process occurs not only in the industrial sector but also in transportation, where vehicles powered by gasoline also produce carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

3. Deforestation

Deforestation contributes to greenhouse gas emissions because carbon dioxide-absorbing trees are cut down. This results in the loss of carbon sinks as well as the production of carbon through land burning.

The Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions have existed for hundreds of years and play a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s warm temperature. However, with the uncontrolled emissions recently, we might see these impacts:

1. Global Warming

Greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of global warming, as gases in the atmosphere hold more heat and radiate it back to the Earth. As a result, temperatures continue to rise and cause extreme weather changes, such as droughts, storms, and heat waves.

2. Environmental Damage

This emission affects the environment significantly, as it can increase sea warming and ocean acidification. Additionally, coral reef life is also under threat, even though coral reefs serve as a habitat for various types of marine life.

3. Economic Impact

Excessive greenhouse gas emissions affect the environment and the economy. This phenomenon damages the agricultural field and infrastructure, halting the economic cycle.

How to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Outrageous greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to stop the damage from getting worse. Below are some actions to take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

1. Using Renewable Energy

One of the sources of greenhouse gas emissions is non-renewable energy, such as fossil fuels. To overcome this, you can start utilizing renewable energy. Renewable energy is considered cleaner and more sustainable because it does not produce carbon emissions. Examples of renewable energy are wind, solar, and hydro energy.

2. Implementing Energy Efficiency

Carrying out energy efficiency can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Some actions you can take are saving energy and using electronics that do not consume much energy.

3. Forest Conservation

Trees in the forest play a significant role in absorbing carbon dioxide on Earth. Therefore, we must maintain their existence by preventing deforestation and conserving forests. You can also replant trees in the forests affected by deforestation.

That concludes the information about greenhouse gas emissions, including causes, impacts, and ways to overcome them. This emission is a critical natural phenomenon, but when it gets uncontrollable, it can damage the environment.

Regarding the actions in reducing carbon emissions, Chandra Asri Group, as a leading energy, chemical, and infrastructure company in Southeast Asia, has a responsibility to the environment.

We adopt circular economy principles, focusing on waste treatment, resource optimization, and recycling to promote sustainable practices.

We also implement energy efficiency programs to reduce fuel consumption, use low-NOx burners, minimize combustion, and monitor emissions.

Not only that, but Chandra Asri Group also emphasizes Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles by implementing the RESPONSIBLE framework. This framework is designed to enhance sustainable growth, deliver long-term value, and meet stakeholder expectations.