_______________________________About Our Project
Welcome to FrostedPhysics' Webpage. We are doing a Physics Project on renewable energy, more specifically, fuel cells.
Energy deregulation is in full swing across the world and there is a rapid depletion of fossil fuels,
essential for generating energy. The excessive use of fossil fuels has caused the global warming problem to escalate.
One of the most obvious major contributors to the deteriorating situation is the 750 million
registered vehicles worldwide that emit roughly 4 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year.
There is also a need for us to explore and start looking out for alternative energy sources other than fossil fuels,
as they will run out some day. When renewable energy sources are used, the demand for fossil fuels is reduced,
hence ultimately reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.
On this webpage, we will be exploring hybrid cars and hydrogen cars and their effectiveness in recuding carbon dioxide emissions.
We hope this webpage raises your awareness of global warming. We also hope you will do your part to reduce global warming. :)
____________________________________Information
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Ways to Curb Global Warming
{
The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has reached unprecedented levels in recent years. This has caused great concern about enhanced global warming. Due to the extended negative impacts on the environment, and the resultant economic and social impact, it is important that measures are taken to curb global warming. Various measures have been taken globally to try to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide.
i. International Co-operation
As global warming affects the world, co-operation is needed among the different countries to tackle the problem. One way is through agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, which sets specific targets for countries to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases by 5 per cent of the 1990 levels between the years 2008 and 2012.
The Kyoto Protocol was negotiated on 11th December 1997, but only came into force on 16th February 2005. To date, 156 countries have signed the agreement. Not all countries have signed due to the effect the agreement might have on their economies. There has also been unhappiness as certain countries are not required to commit themselves to the targets set. Without full co-operation from all countries, little can be achieved to curb global warming.
ii. Using alternative sources of energy
Alternative energies that emit less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels can be used. Such energies are sometimes called “clean energies”. Examples include hydro-electric energy, geothermal energy, solar energy, wind energy, nuclear energy, biogas energy, wave and tidal energy, and ocean thermal energy. Clean energies are better because they do not cause air pollution or lead to global warming.
Another alternative would be using fuel cells (especially in vehicles) instead of fossil fuels. When fuel cells are used, no combustion takes place, hence much less or no pollution is produced compared to the technologies currently being used. With the increasing use of motor vehicles, the use of fuel cells will have an even larger curbing effect on global warming, if it is introduced widely.
iii. Conserving energy
As individuals, we can help reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the air by conserving energy in the following ways:
1. Use appliances which are energy-efficient and switch them off when not in use
2. Use public transport instead of driving
3. Walk or cycle if the destination is only a short distance away
4. Inform people around us about the impact of global warming and what can be done to curb it
5. Participate in and support energy-saving programmes in the community
The participation of even a single person is vital. Global warming affects the entire world and our daily actions can help greatly in reducing global warming. Hence, all of us should try our best to do our own small part.
Liew Beng Teck.
Inspiring Discovery in Geography 2D: Pollution, Global Warming and Ozone Depletion, Pg 30-34.
Singapore, Star Publishing Pte. Ltd., Year 2007
NEXT UP: Fuel Cells
FrostedPhysics.blogspot will be focusing on fuel cells and the role they play in helping to curb global warming in the following entries! The Frostings will be looking especially into fuel cells used in vehicles. What are fuel cells and how do they work? What are the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells? Are they really able to replace normal engine powered vehicles? We will be answering all these questions in the next few entries so stay tuned for more and come back soon!
This entry was compiled by all members of The Frostings.
Post a Comment
|_FrostedFhysics_|
