Carbon is an element that plays a crucial role in many aspects of our lives, ranging from its presence in the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas to its function in the formation of organic molecules. In recent decades, the issue of climate change has increased the attention of environmental experts to the role of carbon in causing global warming. Therefore, it is important for us to understand how carbon affects the environment, as well as the solutions that can be implemented to effectively manage carbon emissions.
Carbon, represented by the letter C in the periodic table, exists in different forms in the environment. As part of the carbon cycle, this element plays a vital role in various biogeochemical processes. Naturally, carbon is involved in processes or cycles that stabilize the Earth’s climate. For example, plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and convert it into biomass that stores carbon for long periods.
Impact of Human Activities on the Carbon Cycle
Carbon also plays an important role in the formation of fertile soil. Through the decomposition process, organic matter containing carbon is transformed into humus, which improves soil quality and stores carbon in a form that can persist for a long time. Underground, carbon can also be stored in the form of organic materials that act as carbon reserves, preventing the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. Similarly, in the oceans, carbon dioxide is absorbed by phytoplankton that performs photosynthesis and converts it into organic matter. Carbon stored in the bodies of marine organisms will remain for a long time, especially when these organisms die and sink to the ocean floor. These natural processes form the carbon cycle, which is crucial for maintaining atmospheric balance and global climate. However, human activities, such as deforestation and land-use changes, can accelerate the release of carbon into the atmosphere, disrupting the natural cycle and causing climate change.
Technologies for Carbon Emission Management
In efforts to reduce the impact of climate change, many countries and companies focus on carbon emission management. The concept of carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions, which means the carbon emissions produced by humans must be balanced with the amount of carbon that can be absorbed or stored back by nature, has become a global target.
Several solutions are being developed to achieve this target, including transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro, which do not produce carbon emissions. The use of technologies developed to capture and store carbon (carbon capture and storage/CCS) has also become a major research focus. These technologies are usually designed specifically to capture CO2 from industrial sources and transport it to secure storage locations, thereby reducing the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere.
Additionally, many companies are investing in reforestation and forest restoration projects that can absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Better carbon management in the agricultural sector, such as reducing methane emissions from livestock and using land more sustainably, also has great potential to reduce the negative impact of carbon on the climate.
Global Policies to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Several policies involving countries around the world have also been established as regulations to reduce carbon emissions, including international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce carbon emissions to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Moreover, many countries have set national targets to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy in the energy sector.
The Role of Companies in Reporting and Reducing Emissions
At the company level, many are beginning to report their carbon footprint through carbon reporting or carbon footprint calculations. This increases stakeholder awareness to better understand the company’s impact on the environment and take steps to reduce it.
Carbon footprint checks and reporting can usually be conducted with the help of consultants and related service providers. Carbon consultants have expertise in calculating the carbon emissions produced by companies, both from direct operations and the supply chain. They also help companies identify significant sources of carbon emissions and develop strategies to reduce them. Furthermore, consultants can provide advice on implementing environmentally friendly technologies and energy efficiency and assist in preparing carbon reports that comply with international standards.
With various ongoing efforts and solutions, carbon emission management is key to achieving a more sustainable future. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and society is essential to achieve emission reduction goals and maintain global climate balance. Through awareness, appropriate policies, and innovative technologies, we can collectively reduce the negative impact of carbon on the environment and create a greener and more sustainable world for future generations.
IML Carbon is here to help! We offer consulting services to ensure your Carbon Project Design Document (PDD) meets international requirements and applicable verification standards. Contact us today for further guidance on the steps you need to take to achieve better carbon emissions management.
Stay tuned for the next article! Don’t miss our next article, which will discuss more about the latest innovations in carbon management and how companies can be more active in supporting global sustainability.
Author : Rahmidevi Alfiani
Editor: Sabilla Reza Pangestika
REFERENCE
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Kondratʹev, K. I., Krapivin, V. F., & Varotsos, C. (2003). Global carbon cycle and climate change. Springer Science & Business Media.