Introduction
Climate change remains one of the most critical global challenges, exacerbated by
human activities that release greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.
Economists argue that climate change represents a market failure because
organizations often do not account for the environmental costs associated with GHG
emissions during their production and consumption processes. This essay explores the
industries contributing significantly to climate change across various countries, details
their specific contributions, and discusses effective strategies to mitigate their
environmental impact. Additionally, it examines the roles of the Kyoto Protocol and the
Paris Agreement in reducing global climate risks.
Industries Contributing to Climate Change
Numerous industries worldwide are major contributors to climate change due to their
emission of greenhouse gases
Energy Sector
The energy sector, primarily fueled by fossil fuels for electricity and heat generation, is a
significant emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs. For instance, coal-fired
power plants emit substantial CO2 during combustion. This is notably evident in
countries like China and India, where coal remains a predominant source of electricity
due to its affordability and availability (IEA, 2020). Similarly, oil and natural gas used in
power generation and industrial processes also release CO2 and methane (CH4),
contributing to global warming.
Example- in the United States, the electricity generation sector alone accounts for
approximately 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with coal-fired plants being a
major source (EPA, 2021).
Transportation
, The transportation sector is another significant contributor to GHG emissions, primarily
from road vehicles, aviation, and shipping. Internal combustion engines in cars, trucks,
and buses burn fossil fuels, emitting CO2 and other pollutants. Aviation and shipping
also contribute substantially through jet fuel combustion and maritime bunker fuels.
Example- Globally, aviation accounts for about 2-3% of annual CO2 emissions, with
projections indicating potential future increases without mitigation measures (ICAO,
2020).
Industrial Processes
Industries such as cement manufacturing, steel production, and chemical manufacturing
emit large amounts of GHGs due to energy-intensive processes and chemical reactions.
Cement production, for instance, releases CO2 during the calcination of limestone, a
key ingredient in cement manufacturing.
Example- China, the world's largest producer of cement and steel, contributes
significantly to global CO2 emissions from industrial activities (IEA, 2020).
Agriculture
Agricultural activities, especially livestock farming and the use of synthetic fertilizers,
contribute to climate change through methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)
emissions. Methane is produced during enteric fermentation in ruminant animals like
cattle, while N2O is released from agricultural soils treated with nitrogen-based
fertilizers.
Example- Brazil, a major agricultural exporter, faces challenges balancing agricultural
expansion with environmental sustainability, including deforestation and GHG emissions
from livestock (FAO, 2021).
Contribution of Industries and Mitigation Strategies
Energy Sector
