Every January 28th, the world comes together to commemorate International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day, a date marked on the global calendar aimed at raising awareness about the urgency of addressing climate change and adopting concrete measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices to preserve our planet.
One of the main drivers of climate change has been the ongoing increase in concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, with increasingly evident consequences, typically manifested in extreme weather events, changes in weather patterns, and the well-known rise in sea levels. This situation has led the international community to recognize the urgency of addressing this issue from a collective and global perspective.
The approach of this perspective seeks to bring together different local efforts that are significant for a paradigm shift in the face of the growing global climate crisis. With this intention, World CO2 Emissions Reduction Day is celebrated, aiming for governments, NGOs, businesses, and citizens worldwide to reflect on their impact on the environment and consider the contributions they are making to alleviate their environmental footprint. Furthermore, this day provides an opportunity to exchange innovative ideas, conduct research, and make fundamental changes in our daily lives.
Despite being a global issue, some key local actions can be undertaken to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. These include the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures, the promotion and adoption of sustainable transportation, responsible management of natural resources, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Specifically, raising awareness about responsible consumption and the importance of choosing environmentally-friendly products and services is essential for fostering widespread transformation.
One of the key actors in this quest for sustainable solutions is hydrogen. It is an abundant and versatile element that can play a crucial role in decarbonization or the transition to a low-carbon economy, thanks to its non-polluting emission characteristics and scalable usage. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen only produces water as a byproduct.
In the transportation sector, hydrogen provides an appealing alternative to traditional combustion or electric vehicles, especially for heavy-duty and long-distance vehicles. When powered by hydrogen fuel cells, they achieve fast refueling times, cost reductions in maintenance, and comparable range to conventional vehicles, all without harmful emissions.
In the industrial field, where hydrogen is widely used, it can play an essential role by being obtained from renewable sources or replacing fossil fuels used in manufacturing processes and energy production. This contributes to the decarbonization of key sectors such as steel production, glass manufacturing, and chemical production.
The celebration of this day is not only a reminder of the challenges we face but also a call to action. Every small contribution matters, and the sum of individual efforts can have a significant impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Together, and by leveraging the perspectives offered by the use of hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, we can build a healthier and more equitable world for future generations.
By. Catherine Lafaurie & William Salazar / Fuel Cells Works
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