The Importance of Limiting Carbon Emissions

The Earth is billions of years old with an atmosphere that protects a vibrant ecosystem
maintaining a variety of life; however, in the last one hundred years the quality of the
environment has been declining and living organisms are paying the price. The atmosphere is
very important in not only protecting life on Earth but in the stability of the planet itself. In
the last one hundred years, this stability has been compromised. The Earth has suffered
sufficient damage due to carbon emissions. The industrial age ushered in changes that
seemingly moved mankind forward in the name of technology but has been the result of
increased carbon emissions and wasteful energy usage. Unfortunately, before the effects were
noticed, the damage was done. However, the effects of carbon emissions are reversible if the
correct solutions are taken seriously and implemented soon. Due to the many detrimental
effects of carbon emissions, America should focus its efforts on alternative methods of energy
obtainment as a pathway to a cleaner and more efficient future for all of humanity.
A large contributor of carbon emissions is the use of fossil fuels in electricity
production and vehicles. The United States consists of 5% of the human population, yet
contributes to 25% of the world's carbon emissions (Carbon Nation). Carbon emissions come
from household use of electricity, vehicles, factories and the burning of coal, gases and oil.
The effects of such usage may not have been noticed for a long time; however, the planet is
now experiencing changes that can only be explained by increased carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
Throughout history humans have used many processes and machinery that contribute
to increased carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. One of the most
detrimental processes is hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. Fracking is a method
that is used to obtain natural gas and oil. Natural gas does produce less carbon than burning

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oil and coal; however, the method of obtaining natural gas is a problem. During hydraulic
fracturing, thousands of chemicals are pumped into the ground and as a result landscapes are
altered and homes can be exposed to contaminated groundwater. According to the Natural
Resources Defense Council, hydraulic fracturing is suspected to be the culprit of polluted
drinking water in Arkansas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and
Wyoming. The residents have reported changes in water quality soon after hydraulic
fracturing had taken place (Risky Gas Drilling Threatens Health, Water Supplies). Julia
Bonds, one of the last people to move from her Home in West Virginia, spoke of suffocating
clouds of coal dust, dead fish and her grandson of seven years old even had an escape route
planned. Mountain-top removal mining has since buried seven hundred miles of Appalachian
streams (Nijhuis). The negative effects of coal mining and fracking for natural gas and oil are
hardly worth the price of needing to evacuate entire regions and polluting natural water
supplies.
As a result of mankinds history of carbon overload, the eco-system is
suffering as well. Oxygen levels in the ocean have dropped exponentially, resulting in what is
referred to as a dead zone. Off the coast of Oregon is one such dead zone the size of New
Jersey. Thousands of creatures have died due to the extremely low oxygen levels. Climate
modeling predicted these occurrences in 2002 and scientists have no idea whether the effects
are reversible (Carbon Nation). Many of these dead zones exist throughout the world. The
prospect is quite frightening due to the fact that more than half of the world's oxygen comes
from algae and phytoplankton within the ocean. Figure one shows areas off the coast of
Oregon that are affected. The effects of carbon emissions are very apparent if one knows
what they are looking at and understand how volatile the environment is. A perfect balance of
compounds is required in order to maintain an atmosphere that is stable for maintaining all
life forms within the ecosystem. As it stands, these compounds are not in balance and the

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planet is suffering the effects; melting polar ice caps, erratic weather and carbon dioxide
levels that are alarmingly higher than what is considered
to be safe parts per million (ppm) in the atmosphere. The
safe zone for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is three
hundred fifty ppm. NASA scientists were asked what
they thought about the four hundred ppm mark the
atmosphere has now reached. According to Dr. Michael
Gunson, "Passing the four hundred mark reminds me that
we are on an inexorable march to four hundred fifty ppm
and much higher levels. The world is quickening the rate of accumulation of CO2, and has
shown no signs of slowing this down. It should be a psychological tripwire for everyone." Dr.
Erika Podest agrees with Dr. Gunson and states that the rise in CO2 levels in the last five
decades should be a wakeup call. It is a threat to life on Earth and humans cannot afford to
stand by and watch (NASA Scientists React to 400 Ppm Carbon Milestone). The
devastating effects of carbon emissions can be seen and felt in the environment. The question
is what can be done about it?
Fortunately for mankind, there are many solutions that can easily be implemented to
assist in limiting carbon emissions. Many of these solutions are beneficial for the
environment, promote job growth and contribute to economic growth. George Johnson, a
writer for National Geographic talks about solar energy and a company called Nevada Solar
One. The company built solar panels in the desert in 2007. On a clear sunny day these panels
harness 21% of the suns energy. Johnson states gas plants are more efficient; however, this
energy is clean and free, powering 14,000 homes. In addition, wind power is one of the most
lucrative of all renewable energies. A small town called Roscoe, Texas was near economic
collapse. In this dying town, there were no jobs left and many people had moved away. The

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wind energy program brought new life to this ghost town. Residents who had left returned for
jobs building turbines. Roscoe, Texas now boasts the largest wind farm in the world with over
four hundred land owners sharing in the wind turbine project. Their wind farm powers over
250,000 homes and the owners make 15,000 dollars per turbine, per year (Carbon Nation).
Roscoe has reaped many benefits as a community from the wind energy project and the
wealth is spreading throughout all of Texas. As stated by Dr. Lester R. Brown, It is projected
that by 2025, Texas will have 38,000 megawatts of wind energy capacity-the equivalent of 38
coal-fired power plants. This will satisfy ninety percent of the current residential electricity
needs of the states 25 million people (118). The facts show that wind energy and solar
energy are a powerful start for efficient and economical progress for the future.
Furthermore, there are many jobs to be gained from resorting to renewable energy
sources, further aiding in economic growth. Grid Alternatives is a non-profit company that
installs solar panels with low interest loans provided by the city. In turn, these panels produce
energy that can generate revenue for the participants. Not only does this company provide
jobs for people, paroles included, it helps low income families generate their own income
(Carbon Nation). Van Jones, a major advocate for green energy and bringing renewable
energy to low income families was asked his thoughts about green energy jobs and whether
they are a viable choice for average Americans. According to Mr. Jones, these jobs are readily
available and a degree is not needed. He states that the National Renewable Energy Lab, an
employer for green opportunities, cannot find enough workers to meet the requirements for
all the projects they currently have underway (Ariel). This is great news for the environment
and Americans, who suffer from a severe difference in socioeconomic status. Alternative
energy can help bridge this gap by providing income for families via renewable energy and
ensuring jobs for the American people.

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America isnt the only country that can profit from renewable energy opportunities.
Germany also looks forward to profiting from the green energy movement. Deputy
chancellor Sigmar Gabriel was interviewed about his thoughts on Germanys economic
policies on renewable energy. He believes it is Germanys most important project for the
future due to reducing reliance upon foreign oil, protecting their climate and transitioning into
new technologies and job growth. He believes that Germany will be a leading example of
renewable energy and its economic success (Orth). Germany has already benefitted from job
growth and new technologies. Some days, so much wind and solar energy is produced in
Germany that it needs to be given away. If every country were to implement renewable
energy goals and meet them, there would be a wealth of energy, economic success and jobs
for all.
Green energy supporters also argue the importance of implementation of carbon
control processes. Renewable energy is not the only way to control carbon output and certain
measures need to be taken to control emissions. Figure two emphasizes the need for trees in
order for life to thrive. Trees sequester carbon in the air as they grow. Home Depot funded the
planting of three hundred thousand trees; unfortunately, a single medium coal plant operating
for ten days completely negates the entirety of a tree farm this size (Carbon Nation).
Deforestation is a vast contributor to carbon in the atmosphere, adding as much as burning
fossil fuels itself. China, Thailand and the Philippines have all had to implement partial or
complete bans on logging due to floods and mudslides as a result of deforestation. If
deforestation is limited or eradicated and tree farms are relied upon as a primary source of
wood products, this will assist in lowering carbon emissions. As it stands, 1.5 billion tons of
carbon is released into the air each year from deforestation (Brown 137). Many people do not
think about the effects of cutting down thousands of acres of forests; they assume that more

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trees will grow. Unfortunately, trees cannot be
grown fast enough to replace the hundreds of
years old trees being cut down.
A little known fact is that a massive
amount of carbon can be retained in the soil just
by using grassland control methods. Soil holds
large amount of carbon within the ground; when
the ground is tilled this carbon is released from the soil and into the atmosphere. Furthermore,
when farmers use pesticides, this kills a beneficial fungi called mychorrhizal fungi.
Mychorrhizal fungi retains carbon in the soil, reaching much deeper than the roots of the
crops they coexist with. When farmers use tillers to farm the land this rips up the fragile fungi
and releases carbon into the air. Simple steps such as fewer pesticides, no tillage when
planting and planting diverse amounts of plants in one soil area can reduce carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere by 50 ppm (Carbon Nation). With the vast amount of farming America does,
especially in the Midwest, these practices could quickly and easily be put into place and
begin the journey of lowering carbon emissions.
While it is true that Americans could begin to utilize these processes themselves, it
does not follow that all the changes can be made by the average Joe. Lawmakers play a key
role in the future of the Earth. Whether leaders care to admit whether or not the environment
is in danger, it is their duty to address such issues. They have the ability to require recycling
bins in all neighborhoods, the authority to tax high carbon emitting companies and the duty of
educating the general population of the importance of carbon control. As stated by Lester. R
Brown, The key to restructuring the economy means putting a tax on carbon to reflect the
full cost of burning fossil fuels. If the world is to move onto a sustainable path, we need
economists who will calculate indirect costs and work with political leaders to incorporate

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them into market structures by restructuring taxes (184). In short, the companies creating the
most carbon should be taxed based upon their carbon output, thus creating an incentive to
look for other solutions. Lawmakers have the ability to begin to move America in this
direction.
Common sense seems to dictate that a clean environment requires clean processes and
a culture fueled with knowledge. With solar, wind and geothermal energy sources as options,
the need for hydraulic fracturing could be eliminated. Citizens would not have to worry about
contaminated water sources or dirty air in coal mining areas if all possible renewable energies
were utilized in areas they are prevalent to. Instead of waste merely being tossed into
landfills, alternatively, said waste can be recycled to create energy. If recycling products were
made a way of life, most of what is leftover would be considered biomass. At North Carolina
Agricultural and Technical State University, Dr. Lijun Wang is in charge of researching the
utilization of biomass to create energy. According to Dr. Wang, using biomass could turn
expenses into a source of revenue and contribute to the reuse of waste (Harold). Waste
conversion and recycling is a paramount step towards carbon control and a cleaner
environment. Unfortunately, here in America recycling is not easily accessible to most
citizens nor are they educated about the importance and impact it could have on them, the
environment and future generations.
Few people realize that buildings are one of the largest contributors to carbon
emissions and usage of natural resources (Iwaro). They run on almost constant air
conditioning or heating. Buildings need to be remodeled for energy conservation and new
buildings need to be built with solar panels and other means of carbon control. Buildings
account for more than forty percent of greenhouse gas emissions, due mostly to natural gas
usage and nuclear power (Carbon Nation). Architect Bob Fox and Company worked with
Bank of America to renovate their building; the effect was a building that ran at half the

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energy (Carbon Nation). A large amount of funds were used to make the building green
friendly; however, due to the savings, the company made the money back in just a couple of
years. Build it Green is a non-profit company that assists in constructing new buildings
utilizing green energy or remodeling of existing buildings. In their disclaimer they go over
the cost and benefits of constructing a green building. The company states the costs to
remodel towards energy efficiency are almost always the equivalent of a standard
remodeling. If the costs are higher, the benefits in the end result in energy savings (Home
Remodeling: Green Building Guidelines). Building renovations and remodeling towards
energy efficient businesses, malls and other structures is capable of generating thousands of
jobs for people. Two deeds could be done with one cause, job creation and promoting a green
environment.
Alternatively, fossil fuel advocates often argue that renewable energy is not a feasible
change and that fossil fuels are the future. Advocates for fossil fuels state that renewable
energy cannot meet energy requirements and that there are no incentives for companies to
implement such a costly expenditure. The opposition argues that not every area can utilize
wind power, solar power or geothermal power. Fossil fuel advocates are correct in both
categories; however, measures can be taken to add incentives and renewable energies should
be harnessed that are prevalent to specific areas. For example, Texas is an ideal place for
wind power, whereas the desert is ideal for solar power. All places on the Earth have access to
at least one producer of renewable energy. Many towns across America that have already
made the change to renewable energy. Roscoe, Texas is already a testament to the power and
profitability of green energy. Another example is Burlington, Vermont, population forty two
thousand; a town currently obtaining all their energy via wind, water and biomass. Ken
Nolan, the manager of power resources, stated that the prices in Burlington are stable and not
tied to fossil fuels at all (Largest City in Vermont Now Gets All Its Power From Wind, Water

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and Biomass). It is up to smaller government to create climate action plans. One such city in
the United States that has done this is in Boulder, Colorado. Boulder has been producing their
energy from renewable sources since 1985. They also have a three part renewable energy
program (City of Boulder Colorado). These are just a few examples of successful cities
within America that have utilized renewable energy and reaped the benefits.
Also, arguably, incentives for advocating and utilizing renewable energy are easily
implemented. Lawmakers hold the key for the first step. Incentives such as tax cuts for large
businesses who utilize green energy can be put in place and businesses that produce more
carbon can be taxed higher or penalized. Incentives for home owners could include waste
pickup cutbacks. For example, a home that recycles most products will produce less waste
and therefore their bill would be lower. The waste pick-up bill could be based upon gross
weight of total waste picked up for each household. In reality the biggest changes will be
made by policy holders. Ms. Janet Laughlin states in her dissertation, According to
conventional economic theory, renewable energy will achieve greater market penetration
once it is cost-competitive with conventional generation. This dissertation concludes,
however, that government policy is the most significant causal variable in determining the
development and diffusion of wind energy technology. There are already some incentives set
in place by the local, state and federal government. Local incentives include property tax
exemptions for renewable source installations. Some state incentives include net metering,
which means homeowners receive credit for producing more energy than used. The federal
government also offers tax credits towards renewable energy improvements (Office of
Energy and Planning). It would appear that all levels of government are aware that renewable
energy deserves incentives; however, these incentives must be strengthened. Green energy
advocates universally agree that incentives are of the utmost importance in beginning the

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green energy front for businesses and that lawmakers must begin these initiatives with sound,
clear laws.
Supporters of fossil fuels claim that green energy implementation costs are too high
and there is little, to no profit in it. Such supporters are Koch Industries and the American
Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC for short. ALEC is an influential lobbying group
often caught in the middle of clean energy arguments. ALEC themselves have stated that
homeowners with solar panels are free riders on the system, thus emphasizing that there is,
in fact, profit to be made from renewable energy (Phillips). Unfortunately, opposition such as
ALEC and Koch are more interested in corporate profit, rather than the profit of the
environment and the average Joe. There is at least one profit that is quite obvious and should
be for all inhabitants of Earth; saving the environment from substantial degradation from
carbon emissions. While the costs may be large, there are many success stories of businesses
profiting from the green energy movement. Walt Disney Company has long been a supporter
for environmental protection and lowering carbon emissions. This company has created an
internal carbon tax, making all divisions pay for emitting carbon. It inspires employees to use
less energy and create less carbon. In the process Disney has saved billions within their parks
by utilizing green energy and conserving energy where it can. Dow chemicals has also spent
one billion dollars on energy efficiency since 1994 and has profited nine billion dollars in
energy savings (Carbon Nation). Another successful business story is Stony Field Farm, an
organic yogurt company, who built a waste treatment plant due to surpassing the capacity of
the local waste water systems. They trap gases created by the waste and use said gas to
operate their facility. They took something that cost them money and turned it into a literal
profit center. The savings of green energy might not be immediately apparent but many of
these companies had been moving forward with plans for over a decade. In the end, profits
have certainly been made and initially this is the end goal for all companies. These are all

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profits that can be made by the corporate giant; however, smaller businesses and homeowners
can easily profit as well by utilizing solar and wind energy.
Ultimately, what is at stake here is the very existence of mankind. Humans cannot
continue on the path to carbon production without ensuring their inevitable demise. Nature
takes in about half of the carbon humans produce, the other half continues to heat up the
planet. If solutions are not implemented soon, humans could be looking at disappearing coral
reefs, spreading deserts, and the chilling of the British Isles and Scandinavia, while the rest of
the world heats up (Appenzeller). Adversely, mankind needs to become producers of energy,
not consumers. It is very apparent that there are many issues with Americas current energy
utilization; however, many companies are already setting the example and moving forward in
the direction that will rectify these problems. The future holds many clean energy options full
of promise for profit, the planet and large economic growth. Many of these solutions will cost
a substantial amount of money to implement but the profits that can be generated down the
road far surpass the cost now. Education is pertinent in beginning to make a cultural change
that will convince citizens to join in and begin to recycle and knowingly reduce carbon
emissions. The more households that are on board, the more the effects will be seen for future
generations. In summarization, as what is considered to be one of the greatest countries in the
world, America has the responsibility to set an example by beginning to make changes in the
environment and implement laws that will ensure the future of the planet.

All of the sources in which I have used in my paper have been cited using MLA
documentation. I understand that if SAFE ASSIGN identifies any sources that I used in my
paper that I did not cite, I will receive a zero for this paper.
Nancy Chenoah Findley 11/05/2014

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Appenzeller, Tim. The Case of the Missing Carbon. National Geographic. Oct. 2011: n.
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ClimateProgress. Largest City in Vermont Now Gets All Its Power From Wind, Water and
Biomass. Thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/09/15/3567307/Vermont-renewablepower/Web 5 Nov. 2014.

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