Greenhouse gas emissions / GHG emissions

What are greenhouse gas emissions?

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions refer to the release of certain gases (CO2, CH4, N2O and fluorinated gases) into the Earth's atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the planet to warm. This is known as the greenhouse effect, which is essential for maintaining the Earth's temperature at a habitable level for life. However, human activities have significantly increased the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Evolution of our understanding of GHG emissions:

Our views on GHG emissions and their role in the Earth's climate system have developed over several centuries. Here's a brief history of the discovery and study of GHGs:
 

• Joseph Fourier's hypothesis (1824):

French mathematician and physicist Joseph Fourier was one of the first scientists to propose the idea that the Earth's atmosphere acts like a "blanket," trapping heat from the sun. He suggested that the atmosphere allows sunlight to pass through but retains some of the heat, thus affecting the Earth's temperature. (Source: American Physical Society.)
 

• John Tyndall's discoveries (1859):

Irish physicist John Tyndall conducted experiments that identified specific gases capable of absorbing and emitting infrared radiation. He discovered that water vapor, carbon dioxide and certain other gases were effective at trapping heat. Tyndall's work laid the foundation for our understanding of the greenhouse effect. (Source: University College London.)
 

• Svante Arrhenius and the CO2 warming effect (1896):

Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius published a paper suggesting that increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere resulting from human activities, such as burning coal, could lead to global warming. (Source: Royal Society of Chemistry.) While his ideas were initially seen as controversial, they foreshadowed future developments in climate science.
 

• Keeling's Mauna Loa Observatory (1958):

American scientist Charles David Keeling began monitoring atmospheric carbon dioxide levels at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. This long-term record, known as the Keeling Curve, provided crucial evidence of rising CO2 concentrations and laid the groundwork for understanding the impact of human activities on the atmosphere.
 

• Recognition of global warming (and IPCC established in 1988):

Scientific consensus grew regarding the potential for human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, to increase greenhouse gas concentrations and lead to global warming. In 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established to assess scientific information related to climate change.

Why are GHG emissions important?

GHGs are crucial to the Earth's climate system, playing a fundamental role in maintaining the planet's temperature and making it habitable. However, human activities have significantly altered the balance of these gases, leading to climate change and extreme weather events. The reduction of GHGs will be key to building a more resilient and sustainable future.

What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions? 

These are the levels of GHG emissions a company can be required to track and report:

• Scope 1 encompasses direct emissions from owned (or controlled) sources like company vehicles, manufacturing facilities, and so on.
   
• Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling.
   
• Scope 3 covers all indirect emissions generated by members of a business’s supply chain, as well as from business travel and investments.

How CLEAResult is reducing GHG emissions: 

Our Decarbonization consultants specialize in identifying and calculating carbon emissions as well as collaborating with organizations to create action plans for reducing energy consumption. We drive results through a three-pronged approach that incorporates decarbonization accounting, engineering and consulting, ensuring all aspects of our client’s decarbonization strategy are fully considered.

French mathematician and physicist Joseph Fourier was one of the first scientists to propose the idea that the Earth's atmosphere acts like a "blanket," trapping heat from the sun.