CARBON EMISSION AND ITS IMPACT ON GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
AUTHOR
Nayamika N
B.COM LLB ( HONS )
Register No : 132104052
Saveetha School of Law
Mail ID : [email protected]
Mobile No : 7358612217
CO AUTHOR
M.Sri Nikila
BBA.LLB ( HONS ), LLM ( Intellectual property and trade law )
Assistant Professor
Saveetha School of Law
Mail ID : [email protected]
Mobile No : 9865851999
CARBON EMISSION AND ITS IMPACT ON GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
Nayamika N
Sri Nikila
ABSTRACT :
Carbon emissions, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial processes, have become a pressing global concern due to their significant impact on the
environment. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the implications of carbon emissions
on the Earth's ecosystems, climate and overall sustainability. Firstly, the paper explores the role of
carbon dioxide (CO2) as a greenhouse gas, contributing to the intensification of the greenhouse effect
and subsequent global warming. It delves into the consequences of rising temperatures, including
more frequent and severe weather events, disruptions to ecosystems, and threats to biodiversity.
Furthermore, the paper examines the link between carbon emissions and ocean acidification,
highlighting the adverse effects on marine life and ecosystems. Ocean acidification, driven by the
absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere, poses significant risks to coral reefs, shellfish, and other
marine organisms, with far-reaching consequences for global food security and
livelihoods.Additionally, the socioeconomic impacts of carbon emissions are discussed, emphasising
disparities in vulnerability and the disproportionate burden borne by marginalised communities. The
paper also explores mitigation strategies, including renewable energy adoption, carbon capture and
storage technologies, and policy interventions aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainable
development. In conclusion, addressing carbon emissions is imperative for safeguarding the health of
the planet and its inhabitants. Urgent and concerted efforts are needed at global, national, and local
levels to mitigate carbon emissions, transition to low-carbon economies, and foster resilience to the
impacts of climate change. Failure to act decisively risks irreversible damage to the environment and
compromises the well-being of current and future generations.
KEY WORDS : Carbon emissions, Greenhouse effect, ocean acidification, Mitigation strategies,
Sustainable Development
INTRODUCTION :
Carbon emissions, originating predominantly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial processes, have emerged as a paramount concern on the global stage due
to their profound impact on the environment. This introduction aims to outline the significance of
carbon emissions and their far-reaching consequences for the Earth's ecosystems, climate stability,
and overall sustainability. In recent decades, the surge in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere has triggered a chain reaction of environmental consequences, notably
exacerbating the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere,
leading to a rise in global temperatures – a process commonly referred to as global warming. The
implications of global warming extend across diverse domains, encompassing shifts in weather
patterns, accelerated ice melt in polar regions, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and
biodiversity. These changes pose significant challenges to both natural and human systems, with
ramifications for food security, water resources, and public health Of particular concern is the
phenomenon of ocean acidification, a direct consequence of increased CO2 absorption by the world's
oceans. This process alters marine chemistry, leading to decreased pH levels and posing grave threats
to marine life, coral reefs, and fisheries. The repercussions extend beyond ecological realms,
impacting coastal economies and jeopardise the livelihoods of millions who depend on marine
resources for sustenance and income. Furthermore, carbon emissions exacerbate socioeconomic
disparities, with marginalised communities bearing a disproportionate burden of environmental
degradation and climate-related hazards. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in developing
countries and low-lying coastal regions, face heightened risks of displacement, food insecurity, and
economic instability. In response to these multifaceted challenges, concerted efforts are underway to
mitigate carbon emissions and foster resilience to climate change. This includes the promotion of
renewable energy sources, the implementation of emissions reduction strategies, and the adoption of
sustainable practices across sectors.
OBJECTIVES :
● To implement measures to decrease overall carbon emissions from activities like energy,
production, transportation and industrial process.
● To increase the share of renewable energy sources like solar wind and hydro power to replace
fossil fuels is greenhouse gas emissions.
● To energy efficiency in building, transportation and industries to reduce the amount of energy
required. Subsequently carbon emissions.
● To encourage sustainable practice in agriculture, manufacturing and daily environmental
impact and reduce emissions
● To policies and regulations that imperative device emission reductions and penalize
unsustainable practices
Review of literature
LashofDaniel(1990) Trace gases, such as methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons,
are crucial for absorbing infrared radiation more strongly than carbon dioxide. They account
for 43% of the increase in radiative forcing from 1980 to 1990. To develop cost-effective
strategies for limiting warming, an index of global warming potential for methane, carbon
monoxide, nitrous oxide, and CFCs is proposed. Methane has a global warming potential 3.7
times that of carbon dioxide, accounting for 80% of current greenhouse gas emissions.
Müller, Daniel B (2013) Aerosols and greenhouse gases may have significant climatic
impacts, and reducing soot or black carbon emissions could help mitigate global warming.
However, scientific arguments against a common framework exist, but a joint consideration
aligns with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The study
calculates the global warming potential for black carbon relative to CO2, finding many
reductions expensive or difficult to implement. Addressing black carbon emissions could
reduce climatic interference and potentially lead to a parallel climate agreement.Huisingh,
Donald (2015) Climate change is a major global issue causing social, environmental,
economic, and ethical consequences. The main cause is the increase in global carbon
emissions from human activities like deforestation and fossil fuel burning. This special
volume investigates technical innovations and policy interventions for improved energy
efficiency and carbon emissions reduction in various sectors. Alternative approaches like
carbon capture and storage are analyzed, but improved energy efficiency and low fossil-
carbon renewable-energy systems are the most effective.Zhang, Xing-Ping (2009) The paper
explores the Granger causality between economic growth, energy consumption, and carbon
emissions in China, using a multivariate model. Results show a unidirectional causality from
GDP to energy consumption and long-term from energy consumption to carbon emissions,
indicating conservative policies can boost economic growth. Matsumura(2014) The study
examines the impact of carbon emissions and voluntary disclosure on firm value using data
from 2006-2008. It found that for every thousand metric tons of emissions, firm value
decreases by $212,000, with the median emissions being 1.07 million metric tons. Firms that
disclose their emissions have a $2.3 billion higher median value. The results support the idea
that capital markets influence firm valuations.Allen, Myles R (2009)Global efforts to combat
climate change are based on projections of future temperatures, but the equilibrium global
mean temperature associated with a given stabilisation level remains uncertain. This issue
also applies to the carbon cycle, as observations provide only a weak constraint on the
response to future emissions. Ensemble simulations show that peak warming caused by
cumulative carbon dioxide emissions is better constrained than stabilisation scenarios. Policy
targets limiting cumulative emissions are more robust to scientific uncertainty. Liu, Zhu (2002)
Global CO2 emissions have increased rapidly, but interannual fluctuations from energy,
finance, and health crises also play a role. The Carbon Monitor program tracks CO2
emissions from various sectors, showing a rebound from COVID-related reductions in 2020
and a decrease in the remaining CO2 budget for 2021. Chichilnisky(1994)The study examines
the optimal carbon emission abatement patterns across countries in a multi-country world,
considering the atmosphere as a public good. The conditions for optimality require equal
marginal cost of abatement across all countries, potentially ignoring distributional issues or
allowing lump-sum transfers. The results impact tradeable emission permits and suggest a
Lindahl equilibrium.Elkins (2001)This paper examines the theoretical basis for carbon taxes
and emission permits, focusing on revenue-recycling and tax interaction effects. It concludes
that instruments that can be recycled are less costly than those without. The paper also
reviews the distributional effects of these instruments, focusing on industrial competitiveness
and regressive effects on low-income groups. It concludes that mitigation efforts can reduce
efficiency benefits. The paper suggests that more countries will introduce carbon taxes and
emission permits as climate change concerns increase.Garbaccio, Richard F (1991) The study
explores the use of carbon taxes in China to reduce CO2 emissions using a dynamic
computable general equilibrium model. The model considers population growth, capital
accumulation, technological change, and demand patterns. Simulations show that carbon
taxes reduce emissions by 5%, 10%, and 15%, leading to GDP and consumption exceeding
baseline levels and potentially a 'double dividend'.Liu, Zhu(2016)..China, the world's largest
developing country, is a major contributor to global carbon emissions. With one-quarter of
global carbon dioxide emissions, it is crucial for developing policies to reduce global CO2
emissions. Understanding regional carbon emissions is essential for designing appropriate
mitigation policies, including the provincial cap and trade system. This study provides a
summary of China's regional carbon emissions and suggests low carbon policies. Narayan
(2016) The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis suggests that economic growth
causes environmental degradation during early development, followed by reducing it. Recent
studies have shifted from regression models to panel data regression models due to short time
series data and advanced econometric methods. Control variables like employment ratio,
electricity consumption, trade openness, energy consumption, and political freedom have
been used to model the effect of economic growth on environmental degradation. However,
empirical evidence remains mixed, indicating a need for a shift in approach from traditional
regression models.Schipper (2001) This article discusses energy indicators, which help describe
the link between energy use and human activity. It discusses the basic concepts,
methodologies, and decomposition methods used to analyze energy use trends and compare
countries. The article also highlights the application of these indicators in carbon emissions,
aiding in negotiations and evaluating progress towards abatement goals. De Haas(2019) The
study examines the relationship between financial system structure and carbon emissions in
various countries and industries from 1990-2013. Results show lower CO2 emissions per
capita in equity-funded economies. Stock markets reallocate investment towards less
polluting sectors and push carbon-intensive sectors to develop greener technologies. Soytas,
Ugur (2007) Greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, are the primary cause of
global warming. To combat this, countries have signed the Kyoto Protocol and pledged to
reduce emissions. Research in ecological economics suggests a link between environmental
degradation and economic growth, with the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis
suggesting that as per capita income increases, environmental degradation intensifies, but
subsides later. This suggests that economic growth may be a solution to environmental
degradation, increasing demand for environmental quality. Houghton, Richard A (2012) From
1990 to 2010, the net flux of carbon from land use and land-cover change (LULCC)
accounted for 12.5% of anthropogenic carbon emissions. This term is the most uncertain due
to uncertainties in deforestation rates, forestation rates, and carbon density of lands
undergoing change. Different approaches and management activities also contribute to
variability.Wang, Haikun(2012)China's urbanisation has led to increased carbon emissions, but
there is a lack of specific inventories. Comprehensive inventories for twelve Chinese cities
show that emissions increased with economic growth from 2004 to 2008. However, per
capita emissions varied by nearly 7 between cities. The average sector contributions to per
capita emissions were 65.1% for industrial energy consumption, 10.1% for industrial
processes, 10.4% for transportation, 7.7% for household energy consumption, 4.2% for
commercial energy consumption, and 2.5% for waste processing. Barcelo,
Laurent(2014)Concrete is the most widely used building material globally due to its low cost,
ease of use, and versatility. However, the cement industry emits a significant amount of CO2.
The International Energy Agency proposed a global CO2 reduction plan, aiming for a
reduction from 2 Gt in 2007 to 1.55 Gt in 2050. However, the plan suggests that the industry
will need costly and unproven carbon capture and storage technologies for the remaining
reduction. Designing new clinkers that require less limestone can significantly reduce CO2
emissions.Zheng, Jiali(2019)China, the largest developing country and the largest carbon
emitter globally, has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 2030. This goal will
promote green growth and low carbon, without imposing constraints on its economic or
social development. Addressing carbon emission reductions at the regional level is crucial for
China's goal. China actively participates in international climate governance efforts through
top-down management, private voluntary actions, and nongovernmental organisations. Moyer,
Jonathan D(2001)Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have significant global
impacts, including improving productivity, reducing energy intensity, and potentially
decreasing renewable energy production costs. However, consensus on their overall impact
on climate change remains unclear. Some argue ICT can mitigate climate change by
improving energy efficiency and reducing renewable energy costs, while others suggest it
could increase energy use and carbon emissions.
Methodology
The study was based on an empirical method of research. The data was collected within Chennai by
adopting the convenient sampling method and the sample size is 200. The used for the study is the
structured questionnaire. The independent variable included in the study is age, gender, education
qualifications,locality,occupation .The dependent variable included is, how does the carbon emissions
impacts global warming .The tools used for the analysis are SPSS , graphs and pie charts. Hypothesis
are tested using chi square and anova.
Analysis
Figure 1
Legend : figure 1 shows the response of the people and do you agree that human activities
significantly contribute to the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global
warming.
Figure 2
Legend: Figure 2 shows the response of the people on do you agree that human activities
significantly contribute to the increasing carbon emission by in Global warming
Figure 3
Legend : Figure 3. Shows the response of the people on. Do you agree the historical
temperature data that correlates with observed increase in carbon emission overtime
Figure 4
Legend: Figure 4 shows the response of the people on. Do you agree that the historical
temperature data correlate with the observed increase in carbon emission overtime
Figure 5
Legend : Figure 5 shows the response of the people on the primary source of carbon emission
to global warming
Figure 6
Legend: Figures 6 shows the response of the people on the primary source of carbon emission
contributing to global warming
Figure7 7
Legend: Figure 7 shows the response of the people on which sector is a major contributor to
carbon emission in transportation
Figure 8
Legend: Figure 8 shows the response of the people on which sector is a major contributor to
carbon emission in transportation
Figure 9
Legend: Figure 9 shows the response of the People. Do you agree that human activities
significantly contribute to the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global
warming
Figure 10
Legend: Figure 10. Shows the response of the people on the primary source of carbon
emission. To global warming
Figure 11
Legend: Figure 11 shows the Chi Square test on Do you agree that human activities
significantly contribute to the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global
warming
Figure 12
Legend: Innova test has been used on. Do you agree that human activity significantly
contribute to increase in carbon emission thereby influencing global warming
Results
The questions were asked to public what is the age of the respondent and the question was asked is do
you agree that human activity significantly contribute to increase in carbon emission thereby
influencing global warming 18 to 25 years old 13.94% of people said strongly agree 36 to 45 years
old 42.31% said neutral 46 to 60 years old 14. 90% said agree above 60 years, old 28.85% has said
neutral figure 1
The question were asked to the public The responses is collected based on the gender of the people
and the question was asked is do you agree that the human activities significantly contribute to
increase in carbon emission thereby influencing global warming 13.94% male have said strongly
agree 14.90% of female, have said agree 42.31% female have sent neutral 28.85% male have said
neutral
The questions were asked to the and the responses were collected on the based on their educational
qualification. The question was do you agree that historical temperature data correlate with the
observed increase in carbon emission overtime undergraduate people, 31.25% as said disagree and
14.90% of such strongly agree no formal education 39.90% and neutral and school level 30.94% said
strongly. Agree. Figure 3
The questions were asked to the people and the responses were collected on the based on locality. The
question is do you agree that historical temperature data correlates with the observed increase in
carbon emission overtime a rural people 31.25% said disagree 11.6% are neutral semi people 28.85%
and neutral 14.90% said strongly disagree, urban 13.94% people said strongly agree figure 4
The questions were asked to the people and the responses were collected on the base of the
occupation. The question is the primary source of carbon emission, private sector 11.6% set fuel fossil
fuel combustion, public sector 31.25%, fossil fuel combustion and 14.90%, industrial processes, self-
employed, 28.85% industrial processes, unemployed, 13.94% deforestation figure 5
The questions were asked and the responses were collected based on their age. The question is the
primary source of carbon emission contributing to global warming 18 to 25,13.94% deforestation, 35
to 45,42.31% fossil combustion 46 to 60.14.90% industrial process above, 6028.85% industrial
processes figure 6
The questions were asked and responses were collected based on their gender and the question is
which sector is a major contributor to carbon emission and transportation female 11.6%, aviation and
road transport, 31.25%, energy production, 14.90% manufacturing male 13.94%, agriculture, 28.85%,
aviation and road transport figure 7
The questions were asked and the responses were collected based on their education, qualification and
the question is which sector is a major contributor to carbon emission in transportation. No formal
education, 39.90%, aviation and road transport school level 13.94%, agriculture undergraduate,
13.25%, energy production and 14.90% manufacturing
Figure 8
The questions were asked and the responses were collected based on their education qualification the
question is do you agree that human activity significantly contribute to increase in carbon emission
thereby influencing global warming school level 13.94% strongly agree undergraduate 14. 90% agree
and 13.25% neutral and 1.2 % disagree No formal education, 2.1% strongly disagree figure 9
The questions were asked and responses were collected based on the gender and the question is the
primary source of carbon emission contributing to global warming male 42.31%, fossil fuel
combustion and 14.90%, industrial processes, female 13.94%, deforestation, 28.85% industrial
processes Figure 10
Discussion
The majority of the has chose neutral and do you agree that human activity significantly contribute to
the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global figure 1
The majority of the people has chosen neutral and do you agree that human activity significantly
contribute to the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global warming figure 2
The majority of the people has chosen neutral on do you agree the historical temperature, data
correlate with observed, increase in carbon emission in overtime figure 3
The majority of the people has chose disagree on the question. Do you agree that the historical
temperature data correlate with the observed increase in carbon emission overtime figure 4
The majority of the people has chose fossil fuel combustion as the primary source of carbon emission
contributing to the global warming figure 5
The majority of the people has chose fossil fuel combustion as the primary source of carbon emission
contributing to the global warming figure 6
The majority of the people has chose energy, production, and aviation and road transport are the
sectors in major contribute to carbon emission and transportation figure 7
The majority of the people has chose aviation and road transportation on on which sector is the major
contributor to carbon emission and transportation figure 8
The majority of the people has chose neutral and disagree on do you agree that human activity
significantly contribute to the increase in carbon emission, thereby influencing global warming figure
9
The majority of the people has chose fossil fuel combustion as the primary source of carbon emission
to global warming. Figure 10
Suggestion
This research paper will be useful for further reference or further research purpose
Limitation
Due to the lack of time, study was restricted within a limited sample frame. A large area was
unable to be studied. There is a major constraint in the convenient sampling method, the survey
was conducted through questionnaires by google forms to collect responses from theDue to the
lack of time, study was restricted within a limited sample frame. A large area was unable to be
studied. There is a major constraint in the convenient sampling method, the survey was conducted
through questionnaires by google forms to collect responses from the people. Another limitation is
the sampling size of 200 which cannot be used to assume the thinking of the entire in a particular
country, state or city. The physical factors have a larger impact, thus limiting the study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, carbon emissions, primarily from human activities like burning fossil fuels and
deforestation, contribute significantly to global warming. The resultant increase in greenhouse gases
intensifies the greenhouse effect, leading to adverse effects such as rising temperatures, extreme
weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. Governments and international agreements strive to
mitigate these impacts through policies promoting renewable energy, emission reduction targets, and
sustainable practices. Ongoing efforts are crucial to address the complex challenge of climate change
and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.To further address the issue of carbon
emissions and its impact on global warming, ongoing research and technological advancements play a
vital role. Innovations in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and carbon capture technologies offer
potential solutions. Additionally, individual and collective actions, such as promoting energy
efficiency, reducing waste, and advocating for policy changes, contribute to a comprehensive
approach in combating climate change. The urgency of the matter emphasizes the need for a global
commitment to sustainable practices and a transition towards a low-carbon future to safeguard the
planet for future generations.Furthermore, the social and economic dimensions of addressing carbon
emissions and global warming are crucial. Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable
communities, and adaptation strategies must consider social equity. Transitioning to a low-carbon
economy also presents economic opportunities, creating jobs in renewable energy sectors and
fostering innovation. Global cooperation is essential to achieve meaningful progress, as climate
change is a shared challenge that requires collaborative solutions. Public awareness, education, and
advocacy play pivotal roles in building the necessary momentum for sustained efforts to reduce
carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.In addition, the role of sustainable
practices in various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and urban planning, is instrumental in
curbing carbon emissions. Sustainable land management, afforestation, and the promotion of circular
economies contribute to carbon sequestration and emission reduction.The integration of climate-
resilient infrastructure and the development of green technologies further support the global response
to climate change. Initiatives to raise awareness about individual carbon footprints empower people to
make environmentally conscious choices, fostering a collective effort to address the interconnected
challenges of carbon emissions and global warming.Continued scientific research, policy adaptation,
and a commitment to international collaboration are essential for navigating the complexities of
climate change and ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
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