GHG Emissions in Cities
- According to the Global Carbon Project, the biggest emitters in 2018 are China, the U.S., EU, India and Russia.
- India is set to be the 4rd highest contributor with a projected emissions rise of 6.3% in 2018 compared to 2017.
Effect of CO2 emissions
- Carbon dioxide is a major green house gas.
- Carbon dioxide traps the long-wave radiation from the earth’s surface and creates an atmospheric layer that prevents earth from cooling at night.
- CO2 also causes warming of ocean waters and higher water temperatures compromise the oceans’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Carbon dioxide also causes acid rain.
- Emissions combine with moisture in the air and results in precipitation with a high acid content called acid rain.
Impact of GHG Emissions in general
- Rising temperatures due to greenhouse effect
- Growth of Urban Heat Island
- Increasing incidents of Heat waves
- Rising air pollution
- Sea-level rise
- Degradation of Coral reefs
- Arctic sea could disappear in summers.
- Shrinking of Permafrost
- Reduced crop yields
- Extinction of species driving loss of biodiversity
Actions to reduce vehicular emissions
- Implementation of BS VI fuel and emission standards.
- Expand CNG programme.
- Boost the production of Electric Vehicles
- Introduce battery operated vehicles in targeted segments of two-wheelers, three-wheelers and buses.
- Tighten PUC norms for post-2000 vehicles.
Strategies to reduce vehicle numbers on roads
- Improve Public transport.
- Augment the service of Metro for carrying more passengers
- BRTS to be implemented in targeted high frequency routes.
- Fare integration and common ticketing by introducing common mobility cards.
- Prepare and implement zonal plans for developing a Non-motorized transport network.
- Parking policy to reduce congestion and pollution.
- Traffic management: Introduce early alarm system during traffic congestion.
Section : Environment & Ecology
