It Will Take Some Work to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A feature article by Rob Tendick, Sep 20, 2007         

Summary: On the surface of it, we could very easily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's highly possible, and it's simply a question of mathematics. Very simple mathematics, at that. The problem is, we've got too much of something producing methane emissions and other types of greenhouse gas emission. We need to do three things: Cut down on the number of organisms producing those gases, and change our way of life so that we don't produce quite so much.

 
On the surface of it, we could very easily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's highly possible, and it's simply a question of mathematics. Very simple mathematics, at that. The problem is, we've got too much of something producing methane emissions and other types of greenhouse gas emission. We need to do three things: Cut down on the number of organisms producing those gases, and change our way of life so that we don't produce quite so much. The third step is to improve carbon sequestration by slowing the rate at which we destroy the planet's rainforests.

We need to examine our options to determine if radical action is required to achieve the future we want. As one method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can attempt to reduce the number of human beings, as we are the individuals responsible for producing these emissions. This means attempting to minimize the rate at which our species reproduces. We once needed large families to help out with the upkeep and care of vast areas of farmland. Eventually, modern mechanical wonders have mostly taken the place of people working the land. Having nine offspring is no longer a necessity for most families. The detrimental effects on the environment that are created by the billions of persons living on this planet can be reduced by population control efforts.

Cutting down on the amount of meat we eat, or even vegetarianism would also help considerably. Currently Americans consume much more protein than they physiologically require. We would have far fewer cattle if we ate healthier diets. If the majority of people switched to a vegetarian diet, this alone would greatly reduce our CO2 emissions. Food production would be simplified, as producing, feeding, killing, processing, and transporting mass quantities of animals would become unnecessary. The emissions from these steps in food processing are huge--both from the animals' bodies themselves and from our efforts in moving and processing the animals.

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We could also reduce greenhouse gas emissions - or at least their effects - by improving our planet's ability to engage in carbon sequestration as well. Plants use carbon. Soil and water absorb carbon. Since carbon is a main ingredient in a lot of greenhouse gases, destroying the rainforests severely hampers the rate at which our planet can perform carbon sequestration, which leaves vast amounts of carbon to roam free and form dangerous gases.

The fact is, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we were willing to alter our lifestyles just a little. If we would insist that the powers that be created transportation infrastructures and put a stop to the amount of meat production in which we are engaging. Cleaner transportation and reduction in meat production is just a few of the ways we can make a difference.

James Heimler is one of the leading green architecture firms in California and has been very active in architecture sustainable design and the preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains.

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