LocationsDECARBONISATION - resolute NO to fossil fuels!
November 10, 2022
Decarbonisation is not the Italian dish with bacon, but rather the term derived for the name of the chemical element carbon, meaning that we should reduce the use of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – to the minimum. The combustion of these results in releasing the greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, primarily carbon-dioxide (CO2).
Decarbonisation is one of the five pillars of the Green Agenda, and a part of the Green Deal, the European Commission’s plan for combating climate changes and preserving living environment.
WHY IS DECARBONISATION IMPORTANT?
When we look at the sky, we see the relaxing blue colour. Now imagine the black clouds looming above the chimneys of thermal power plants and overcasting the cities, with a detrimental effect on people’s health, while they pollute soil, food and water.
The main culprit is coal, used in the production of electrical power and thermal energy, while being one of the dirtiest energy sources!
The amount of fossil fuels that humanity is currently combusting, emits the amounts of GHGs that nature itself cannot absorb. We do not have, for example, enough trees to absorb the surplus of CO2 from the atmosphere.
This has led to global warming – an increase of the average temperature on the planet. This has in turn caused climate changes, meaning more heat waves, droughts and forest fires, but also a lot more rainfall causing floods. Should we continue with the current GHGs emission we will jeopardise the survival of many plant and animal species on the planet, but also of humanity.
Therefore we must say NO to fossil fuels!
WHAT WE CAN DO?
To transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. We cannot use these up, while they also reduce the emission of GHGs!
Let us not forget about geothermal energy, hydro-energy and biomass. Using these as power sources, we simultaneously reduce the amount of waste produced by food industry, agriculture, parks and gardens.
Decarbonisation also involves an increase in energy efficiency, i.e. a decrease in the amount of energy we use. When we talk about heating, for example, this does not mean that we should freeze, but rather reduce the “loss” of energy, inter alia, through optimal thermal insulation of houses and buildings.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Don’t waste energy!
- May your windows be properly sealed.
- Ride a bicycle or walk. Climb the stairs instead using elevators. This is an excellent workout and it saves energy.
- Use public transportation and take someone with you in your car when commuting – less fuel is spent when we have more than one person per vehicle.
- Turn off the light, computer and electrical appliances when not in use. Change your regular light bulbs with LED lamps and wash your clothes at lower temperatures.
