Low Carbon Economy – For An Urgent Shift in Lifestyle!

We all are facing the major crisis of climate change. If not take the right measures, the situation will only get worse with time. There is no easy fix to avert the effects of climate change. It is high time we pay attention to the global problem of our planet heating up. However, to adapt a gradual shift to minimize the carbon emission seems to be the only way out. The transition will only be possible if we educate the mind. The little steps make a huge impact in the long run. Thus, a low carbon economy or a decarbonised economy has popped up as the preferred alternative way towards controlling climate change.

Trending Today: Global Wind Day

What is Low Carbon Economy?

Let’s start with the definition of low carbon economy. In simple terms, a low-carbon economy refers to an economy that is greener and is based on low consumption. The main aim of the system is to reduce the production of carbon emissions. Countries all over the world have adopted the method of a decarbonised economy to control the effects of global warming. Adopting this method will result in lesser production of greenhouse emissions. In 2003, the term “low carbon economy” first appeared in a British white paper. The transition from a high carbon economy to a low carbon based economy is a long-term process. With proper planning and embracing the new technologies, the goal of a low-carbon economy is achievable.

Know About UN World Oceans Day 2022

Low-Carbon Economy Vs High-Carbon Economy

Now we know low carbon economy definition but how it is different from the high carbon economy? With the buzz going around the low-carbon economy, we must know the “why” behind the lower carbon economy transition. As mentioned above, the simple reason is the lesser emission of greenhouse gases. Besides that in a high-carbon economy, fossil fuels are vanishing rapidly. It is time to switch from non-renewable resources to renewable resources. An economy based on higher carbon emissions affects our life in greater means. It pollutes our environment and affects our health. With the advancement of technologies and modernization, we violate the rules of nature in several ways. Hence, a high-carbon economy acts as a silent killer.

Also Read – Stratospheric Aerosol Injection – Controversial Technique To Mitigate Climate Change

What Are the Examples of a Low Carbon Economy?

Wind, solar and hydroelectric power are examples of a low carbon economy. The renewable energies we obtain from nature and a cleaner or less carbon source.

If we take an example of a country, China tops the list. It is now leading in solar technology. China over time invested in renewable energies. It now has low-carbon transportation. China also has one-third of the world’s wind power. China embraces the new technology and speeding toward a lower carbon economy with proper strategies and executing them. China is creating new job opportunities in renewable energy fields for its citizen. In 2017, China approximately invested US $125 Billion in renewable energies.

Also Check – Blue Flag Certification – Check Award Criteria For Beaches, Marinas & Boating Tourism Operators

Need of Hydrogen in a Low Carbon Economy

In the present climate condition, alternatives are the first thing to knock our minds. In a low-carbon economy, we must find a gas that may act as an alternative to carbon-based functions. Hydrogen emerged as a favored alternative. Hydrogen has an important role to decarbonize all energy systems. In our energy transition, Hydrogen tops among the fuel-based choices. The potential of zero-carbon emission makes hydrogen a key replacement where electrification is not feasible. Usage of hydrogen in a low-carbon economy is also inexpensive.

Benefits of a Low Carbon Economy

What is a bigger benefit than saving the planet? The low-carbon economy is a step towards it. However, let’s dive deep and see what the benefits of a low-carbon economy are.

• The a decarbonised economy makes energy greener. This leads to a hike in the global GDP approximately by US$98 trillion by the year 2050.
• Healthcare will save the cost of investments in a low-carbon economy.
• A stable environment is a key to every life on earth. An economy based on low-carbon ensures that and leads us to a greener Earth.
• Investments in low-consumption transportation can create major benefits. It could create 23 million additional jobs in a year and boost the economy. Cleaner public transportation also reduces the millions of death and injuries worldwide due to accidents caused by traffic, and congestion.
• Used goods are re-used, re-purposed, and up-cycled at a greater value.
• Creates millions of job opportunities.

Related Article – Environmental DNA (eDNA) – an effective biodiversity monitoring tool

Challenges of Low-carbon Economy

To Strike a Balance between Economic Growth and Low Emissions Governments all over the world are building strategies to transition into an economy with low emissions.

• It is difficult to strike the balance without any hamper to the economy. Economists and policymakers are brainstorming as the economy is one of the major concerns to take into consideration.
• As the transition is a slow and gradual process, many economists came up with a suggestion. They suggest putting a tax on carbon. This will make the consumers think and result in a change in their behavior.
• Investments in renewable energies are not bearable by many developing countries. This led them to stay dependent on other countries for investment to transition into a low-carbon economy.

Before the catastrophe takes place, it is important to take care of our mother Earth. The low-carbon economy is a lifestyle. Be conscious of your lifestyle and make sure to decrease carbon emissions in the way possible.

References –

1. The growing urgency of shifting to a LCE
2. Transition to a LCE

Low Carbon Economy FAQs