GLOBAL WARMING - CARBON FOOT PRINT

When ever any global issue is brought for attention at local level, say  for an individual working on SR, what comes to our mind is: How does it matter to me or to my near & dear ones?; What little effort if at all I make can help in a Global issue?

Well, to answer these, consider a dooms day like scenario staring at us, well supported through scientific study, research and data:

♦ We are all connected - there is one atmosphere common to all on the planet.

♦ Current C02 level is 385 ppm in atmosphere as against estimated safe level of 350ppm.

♦ We have already reached the tipping point.

♦ 350ppm impossible to achieve - most scientists opine - we may end up over shooting 450 ppm/550ppm - if guzzling Energy at current rate goes on.

♦ Without any additional GHG (Green Houses gases), Arctic ice Shelf (North pole) expected to become ice free by2012.

♦ Melting leads to more warming of exposed dark ocean water - vicious circle of Global Warming.

♦ Telltale signs are already there to see by all:

• Extreme rainfall like in Mumbai in the year 2006 & many other places.

• Frequent Hurricanes, flash floods in various regions.

• Migration of birds to cooler habitat observed.

What is there looming ahead?:

• Accelerated melting of Glaciers and snow causing rise in ocean levels- submerging of coastal regions and thereby migration of refugees to hinterland and further strain on resources.

• Global Warming leads to more rain fall in tropics causing flash floods.

• Unpredictable climate change.

Quick calculations show that , Southern Railway's Energy needs led to 1.16 million ton of C02 emission during 07-08:

Each of us knowingly or unknowingly leaves behind Carbon Footprint. Let us know how we are doing it. Our every routine activity/action requires Energy which is mostly produced using fossil fuels (Coal or Petroleum products) & therefore contributes towards Global Warming. For sustainable living, it is expected to limit our Carbon Footprint to less than 2ton C02perannum per person as against worldwide average of 4tonC02 per annum per person. This is a direction towards each of us can move in. A middle class family contributes to emission of 7to9tonof C02 per annum (both primary &secondary).

Some of the indicative figures of our contribution to Global Warming are revealing:

Keeping 100 W Electric lamp 'ON' (4h/day) - 63kg C02 per annum

Travel for 300 km by car - 66kg C02

Travel 300 km by Train - 21kg C02

One way Air Flight Mumbai-Delhi - 164kg C02

2.5T AC Unit - 3kg C02 per hr.

Electric geyser - 3.3 kg C02 per hr.

TV. (6.5h/day) - 203 kg C02 per annum

Refrigerator (24 h/day) - 100kg C02 per annum

Conservative middle class life style - 1.6 ton C02 per annum

 Middle class life style (Vegetarian) -  4.5-5.5. ton C02 per annum

 Middle class life style (Non Vegetarian) - 6.8. ton C02 per annum

Here are some tips for each of us to be part of the Global Movement to reduce our Carbon Footprint (our own contribution to Global Warming).

♦ Workout your own Carbon Footprint - Use any of the numerous websites to calculate. (i.e. www.carbonfootprint.com).

♦ Switch off lights/appliances/machines when not required

♦ Switch over to Energy Efficient T5 & CFL lamps.

♦ Do not increase the electric load unless unavoidable. Try to find matching surrender.

♦ Ensure working of thermostat and timers of AC Units & refrigerators

♦ Reduce heat load for Air-conditioning.

♦ Avoid use of Electric geysers -maximise use of solar power.

♦ Avoid use of road vehicles when public transport can be used.

♦ Use BEE star rated Electrical products/appliances.

♦ Avoid wastage of water

♦ Plant more trees.

♦ Create awareness amongst all.

Well, it does not cost the Earth to save the planet!!