Environmental Law: How to Track Your Carbon Footprint

The government of India has enacted stringent environmental laws to combat environmental pollution in the country. However, India still relies mainly on fossil fuels, for its electricity supplies. Based on the reports of the International Energy Agency, India will become world’s third largest carbon emitter, by 2020, with a yearly CO2 emission of 2 billion tons. There are many environmental issues that we are facing in India. We have faced 18 life-threatening heat waves between the years 1980 and 1998. About 3000 people died in Andhra Pradesh, because of these heat waves. Global warming has become a serious issue across the world and one that is much talked about. The recurring climate change patterns continue to cause worry because it paves the way for various health hazards, such as heat stress, respiratory illness and other communicable diseases.

Environment Law: Identifying Carbon Footprint

To be aware of environment law is important but to identify causes of pollution is equally important. An effective measure to reduce environmental pollution is to regulate your personal CO2 emission. For this, it is important to determine carbon footprint. This is a process of measuring the impact of your day to day activities, on emission of green house gases. It relates to the amount of CO2 produced by burning fossil fuels, electricity and transportation and its impact on the climate change. It is measured in units of tonnes or Kg. Researchers state that an average Indian produces approximately 1.25 tonnes of CO2 per year. 

Environment Law: Causes of Carbon Emission and Measures to Reduce It

The country’s industrial sector contributes to 31% of the total CO2 emission of India. Further, power generation leads to 25 percent of CO2 emission. Road transport accounts for 10 percent of CO2 output. Also, activities such as heating, lighting, using fuel, road/air travel and burning waste increases individual carbon footprints. Apart from complying with the environment laws, you can also reduce CO2 emission by regulating your day to day activities with better awareness about its impact on the environment.

Here are some measures to reduce the CO2 emission:

• Conduct full-fledged energy audit for homes and workplaces.
• Don’t forget to turn off the electrical appliances.
• Use more eco friendly devices, such as solar heaters, electrical car and compact fluorescent lights.
• Opt for rain water harvesting and design systems to recharge groundwater.
• Opt for carpool rather than using personal vehicle.
• Maintain recommended tyre pressure of your vehicle, for optimum fuel efficiency.
• Avoid using plastic bags.