Phosphorous (P) was the first chemical element to be discovered after the ancient times by German alchemist Hennig Brand in 1669. At the time, Brand was trying to create the philosopher’s stone, a legendary alchemical substance that was thought to turn metal into gold.

Hydrogen

Carbon is found in abundance in the sun, stars, comets and atmospheres of most planets. Graphite is found naturally in many locations. Diamond is found in the form of microscopic crystals in some meteorites. Natural diamonds are found in the mineral, kimberlite, in South Africa, Arkansas and elsewhere.

The ocean, atmosphere, soil and forests are the world’s largest carbon sinks. Protecting these vital ecosystems is essential for tackling climate change and keeping our climate stable. But they’re increasingly under threat. The world’s forests absorb 2.6bn tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

to the atmosphere are called carbon “sources”, while processes that absorb it are called carbon “sinks”. Forests, soil, oceans, the atmosphere, and fossil fuels are important stores of carbon.

There are both natural and human sources of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural sources include decomposition, ocean release and respiration. Human sources come from activities like cement production, deforestation as well as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

China

Overview

• Transportation (29 percent of 2019 greenhouse gas emissions) – The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Electricity production (25 percent of 2019 greenhouse gas emissions) – Electricity production generates the second largest share of greenhouse gas emissions.

Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, buildings, factories, and power plants. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon dioxide, or CO2.

Does cow methane contribute to global warming? It’s been estimated that methane gas from cows is 23 times more damaging to the climate than the carbon dioxide from cars. However, the CO2 from cars sticks around a lot longer than the methane, contributing more to global warming.

Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by making power on-site with renewables and other climate-friendly energy resources. Examples include rooftop solar panels, solar water heating, small-scale wind generation, fuel cells powered by natural gas or renewable hydrogen, and geothermal energy.

However, the science on the human contribution to modern warming is quite clear. Humans emissions and activities have caused around 100% of the warming observed since 1950, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) fifth assessment report.

Yes, by increasing the abundance of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, human activities are amplifying Earth’s natural greenhouse effect.

Demand Climate Action

1. Speak up!
2. Power your home with renewable energy.
3. Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.
4. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
5. Reduce water waste.
6. Actually eat the food you buy—and make less of it meat.
7. Buy better bulbs.
8. Pull the plug(s).

carbon dioxide

Make sure the lights are off if you are the last to leave the classroom, take shorter showers, and consume less meat and dairy products are all good ways you can reduce your personal footprint. Taking the time to get involved in conservation efforts in your area is a great way you can help fight climate change.

What solutions to consider? Changing our main energy sources to clean and renewable energy. Solar, Wind, Geothermal and biomass could be the solution. Our transport methods must be aligned with environmental requirements and reduce their carbon footprint.