Over the years, in the last decade, in particular, countries all over the world have been coming together to devise a master plan for improving the world’s pollution levels. The latest statistics show that although we have managed to lower overall emissions that contribute to global warming and health issues, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are still far too high, and something needs to be done about this.
It is clearly evident that the U.S. are adopting more every day to a world of renewable energy by decreasing the amount of coal power plants and introducing more greener sources of energy such as the wind and solar energy. But experts say we still need to do more in order to preserve our plants and wildlife and maintain good health ourselves.
Reports show that carbon dioxide levels in 2014 were 14 percent higher than in 1990 even though, in the years between 2005 and 2014, overall emission levels dropped by around 15 percent. One significant factor that has been noted that by New Jersey generating half of its power from nuclear power plants it managed to rank as 37th in the total carbon dioxide emissions by tons. This is quite an incredible achievement for ‘The Garden State’ considering its population and high electricity needs.
Some of New Jersey’s efforts come from a bigger plan of trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent between the years 2006-2050. Texas have also done quite well in lowering their overall levels but fell at the carbon dioxide levels where they have the second highest in the country.
Nationwide, there has been a reduction in sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury emissions, which shows that the targets that have been sent by the governments are achievable. The next issue for them now is to continue lowering all the greenhouse gasses, particularly CO2. If we can get the carbon dioxide emissions reduced as much as the others, then there may just be a light at the end of that smoggy tunnel, and we can all continue to lead happy healthy lives.
Air emissions of the 100 largest electric power producers in The US: PDF
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