Due to the harmful effects of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere which can cause adverse impacts to living things and human beings, EPA endorsed that such gases be classified as harmful pollutants, and such move was approved by the US Supreme Court.
One aspect of being a green business is being aware how much carbon and other greenhouse gases the business emits into the atmosphere. We have all heard the terms global warming, climate change and greenhouse gas but as they are often used interchangeably, it can be difficult to understand exactly what these terms mean. However understanding these terms is important before taking action to reduce emissions from the business. Here is a brief guide to the most common terms:
This authority would be binding if the U.S. Congress fails to act upon the issue from a legislative perspective.
The April 17, 2009 EPA rule mandates decidedly strict regulations on carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases that have been identified as harming the public and the environment. To begin phasing out the use of refrigerant gases and resorting to alternatives which are kind to the environment, endangerment findings will send out warning to facilities that use such.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court approval, the EPA has opened a 60-day public comment period on its findings on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. EPA shall be required to implement such rules and regulations on refrigerant gases after the comment period closes.S.
It is obvious from the recent EPA rule approval that facilities using environmentally harmful chemicals should start looking into efficient and cost effective ways to track and report their emissions.
More than 7 billion tons of greenhouse gases are discharged in the United States each year.
Global Warming: The phrase global warming refers to an overall warming of the planet based on the average temperature over the entire surface. Global warming has both natural and manmade causes with the main manmade cause being increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases spread around the earth forming a cover trapping solar energy that would normally be radiated into space resulting in increased temperatures.
As a result of the previously approved EPA rule contained in The U.S. The regulations limit the production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as those found in refrigerant gases which are both ozone depleting and high global warming substances.
The term climate change refers to long term regional changes in climate including temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall and severe weather events. Like global warming, climate change has both natural and manmade causes with the manmade causes of climate change being credited to increased levels of greenhouse gases. Natural causes of climate change include the continental drift, volcanoes and ocean currents.
You may like to read additional info at this site dealing with Is Global Warming A Problem as well as Effects Of Global Warming On The Environment.