Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities amplify the greenhouse effect. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are the main sources of global climate change, accounting for more than 75 % of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 90 % of all carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions act on the Earth and trap the sun's heat, leading to global warming and climate change. The world is currently warming faster than ever before. Higher temperatures are gradually changing the nature of the weather and disrupting the natural balance, posing many risks to humans and other life forms on Earth.

🇪🇺 Emissions within the EU and Slovakia

The European Union (EU) announced that it managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide between 1990 and 2020, representing a reduction of 32 %. The largest absolute reductions in emissions were recorded in the fuel-burning energy sectors (by 657 million tonnes of CO₂), in the manufacturing and construction sectors (by 322 million tonnes), and in the households, trade, institutions and other sectors (by 215 million tonnes). In 2020, these sectors reduced their emissions by 46 %, 44 % and 29 %, respectively, compared to 1990. In 2019, Slovakia emitted 37 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, accounting for 0.07 % of global emissions.

💨 Emissions by type of greenhouse gas

– Carbon dioxide (CO₂): The main sources are the combustion of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees and biomass, and some chemical reactions, such as cement production. The gas is removed from the atmosphere by absorption by plants.

– Methane (CH₄): It comes from agricultural activities, waste management, energy use and biomass combustion.

– Nitrous oxide (N₂O): Produced mainly by agricultural activities (fertilizers) and the combustion of fossil fuels.

– Fluorinated gases (F-gases): They are generated in industrial processes, refrigeration and consumer products, including HFCs, PFCs and SF₆.

– Carbon black: It is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels and biomass. It absorbs sunlight and contributes to global warming when it settles on snow and ice. This gas only stays in the atmosphere for a few weeks. Emissions can be reduced by upgrading coke ovens, installing particulate filters on diesel engines and limiting open biomass burning.

– Hydrogen (H₂): When released into the atmosphere, oxidation reactions increase the concentration of greenhouse gases.

🏭 Distribution of emissions by sector

Greenhouse gas emissions are linked to various sectors of the economy, with around two-thirds arising from the combustion of fuels. The largest emitters are coal-fired power plants, which generated more than 20 % of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2018. Agriculture contributes through emissions and the conversion of forests to agricultural land. The transport sector also produces significant amounts of emissions from fossil fuels. The construction industry accounted for 39 % of CO₂ emissions from energy and processes in 2018.

✅ Measures to reduce emissions

To limit climate change, it is essential to stop the increase in greenhouse gases, which includes:

– Reducing electricity consumption
– Emission-free electricity production
– Reducing the food footprint
– Traveling without producing greenhouse gases
– Reducing emissions from industry

♻️ Supplements and recommendations

To effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to implement comprehensive strategies at multiple levels – from individual behavior to policy and technological innovation. Other recommended measures include:

– Support for renewable energy sources: Investments in solar, wind and hydropower can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
– Increasing energy efficiency: Modernization of infrastructure and use of energy-saving technologies in industry and households.
– Sustainable transport: Development of public transport, support for electric vehicles and infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians.
– Education and awareness-raising activities: Increasing public awareness of the importance of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

Implementing these measures requires cooperation between governments, businesses and individuals, but their successful implementation can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change and protecting our planet for future generations. Spring