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CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS AND DIFFERENT WAYS TO REDUCE THEM 

 

Arzu CƏBRAYILOVA 

Qafqaz University 

[e-mail] 

 

Carbon dioxide (CO

2

) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. Carbon dioxide is naturally 

present in the atmosphere as part of the Earth's carbon cycle (the natural circulation of carbon among the atmosphere, 

oceans, soil, plants, and animals). Human activities are altering the carbon cycle—both by adding more CO

2

 to  the 

atmosphere and by influencing the ability of natural sinks, like forests, to remove CO

2

 from the atmosphere. Every time we 

burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal or oil, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. In a natural carbon cycle, carbon 

dioxide is re-absorbed by plants and trees. However, amount of generated carbon dioxide is so large that plants cannot 

adsorb it fully. 

The effect of all this extra carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is that the overall temperature of the planet is increasing 

(global warming). Whilst the average global temperature is increasing, on a day-to-day level the climate is changing in 

unpredictable ways (from floods and hurricanes to heat waves and droughts). To try and reduce the risk of ever more 

extreme weather, we need to reduce amount of fossil fuel burnt. Fossil fuels are burnt to create energy. From keeping warm 

in our house, to fuelling our cars, to growing our food, to manufacturing our MP3 players, energy is used. It is either burned 

directly (gas is burnt in your boiler for example, and petrol is burnt in your car) or it is burnt in a power station to drive 

turbines which generate electricity. The total carbon which we as individuals are responsible for is called our carbon 

footprint. If we know our footprint, and its effects, we can understand the dangers of it in our life, and we should figure out 

ways to reduce our carbon emissions.  

Below is shown few recommendations to begin with, alternatives to driving. When possible, walk or ride your bike in 

order to avoid carbon emissions completely. Carpooling and public transportation drastically reduce CO2 emissions by 

spreading them out over many riders. Appliances Make energy efficiency: a primary consideration when choosing new 

appliances like furnaces, air conditioning units, dishwashers, and refrigerators. ENERGY STAR labeled productsare 

recognized as having superior energy efficiency.  

Lighting: Turn off lights you’re not using and when you leave the room. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact 

flourescents and LED’s. Thermostat. Don’t set it too high or low. Install a programmable model to turn off the heat/air 

conditioning when you’re not home. 

Water usage: Lower the amount of energy used to pump, treat, and heat water by washing your car less often, using 

climate-appropriate plants in your garden, and making water-efficient choices when purchasing shower heads, faucet heads, 

toilets, dishwashers and washing machines.  

Food. It has been estimated that large amount of greenhouse gas emissions result from the production and transport of 

food.  Buy local and eat a more diversified diet including less meat and dairy to reduce your carbon emissions resulting 

from the use of fossil fuel-based fertilizers, pesticides, and gas required to produce and transport of the food you eat.  

We live in this world and we are responsible for saving our world. If we want to protect ourselves from dangers, we 

have to be careful to everything around us. Be the change you want to see in the world.