 |
| An AI-generated representational image. |
Bengaluru, a fast-growing south Indian tech city, is known for its innovation and pleasant climate. However, beneath the veneer of progress lies a growing concern: the increasing levels of greenhouse gases and their impact.
WHAT ARE THEY
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. Think of them like the glass roof and walls of a greenhouse.
They allow sunlight to enter and warm the interior but prevent some of that heat from escaping back into space.
This greenhouse effect is essential for keeping our planet at a habitable temperature. But excessive amounts are bad.
The primary greenhouse gases include: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases, etc.
HOW ARE THEY PRODUCED
Human activities lead to an increase in greenhouse gases.
The key sources include:
- Burning coal, oil, and natural gas during electricity generation, transportation and industrial processes releases lots of carbon dioxide.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When forests are cleared, this doesn't happen.
- Livestock farming (especially cattle) produces methane.
- The use of nitrogen-based fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.
- The decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane.
HOW MUCH IS MORE
There isn't a single "dangerous" level of emission of greenhouse gases, but exceeding certain thresholds depending on the gas can trigger irreversible and catastrophic consequences.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels exceeding 419 parts per million (ppm) are considered alarming; as of May 2024, levels reached 426.89 ppm globally.
- Methane is 25–100 times more potent than CO₂ over shorter timeframes.
- Nitrous oxide has a warming potential 273 times greater than carbon dioxide.
IMPACT OF GREENHOUSE GASES
- Global warming: The average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans is rising.
- Climate change: Drastic changes in weather patterns. For example, it doesn't rain when it's supposed to, and it rains when it's not supposed to. Unusual heat waves, rising sea levels, etc.
HOW TO CONTAIN THEM
- Shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower for electricity generation.
- Reduce energy consumption through efficient appliances, and smart technologies.
- Promote public transport, cycling, walking, and electric vehicles.
- Prevent deforestation.
- Reduce waste generation, and promote recycling.
- Make conscious choices in daily life.
WHERE DOES BENGALURU STAND
Although Bengaluru is not among India’s most polluted cities like Delhi or Kanpur, its growing population and infrastructure demands make it susceptible to worsening air quality.
With more and more people coming to the city, the number of private vehicles, traffic congestion, construction and industrial activities, electricity consumption, waste generation, etc., are all going up.
There are initiatives by the government and individuals to improve the ecological standards of the city. Some of my previous posts have elaborated on them.
But, looking at the rate at which the city is growing, a more concerted and accelerated approach involving government bodies, industries, communities, and individuals is essential.
(This post is part of the A to Z Challenge. The theme is environment)
Ah yes, the problems with modern life. There has to be a way to have the cars and such that we have come to rely on without polluting ourselves to oblivion. Steps have been taken, but as populations increase, it's harder.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteA global shift (in every sense of the phrase) is required in thinking as to how we travel, work, play... it's a slow process... YAM xx
The solutions are so complex, such as the resources needed to create and charge electric vehicles, for one example. ~sigh~ Be well.
ReplyDeleteHi Pradeep - this has been an interesting series seeing how population affects the environment. I'm very grateful to live in a country that is less heavily populated and very environmentally aware - the clean air and water are something we take for granted here and would be envied by many countries.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of greenhouse gases but really had no idea what it was, thus I found this an interesting post, I am thankful that I live here and that the country is trying to care for the environment
ReplyDeleteBangalore is always considered as better habitat than other Indian cities due to its pleasant climate and green spaces
ReplyDelete