By now it should be abundantly clear that carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is causing global warming. Therefore, it follows that we can slow this trend – even prevent it possibly – by reducing our carbon emissions. Releasing carbon in fossil fuels – that’s oil, coal, and natural gas – by burning them contributes greatly to the problem. However, batteries and climate change could be a positive force if we adapt our lifestyles.
First We Need to Understand Climate Change and Batteries Better
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Natural drivers of this process include large volcanic eruptions, and changes in solar activity lowering or raising the temperature.
However, this time our planet is becoming warmer because of human activity, in particular burning fossil oil, coal and natural gas fuels. Climate change is a negative force at the moment, but we can change that by adapting human activity.
We have become accustomed to batteries powering many aspects of our lives, from space probes reaching out to the universe to pacemakers saving lives. Climate change could slow, perhaps even reverse warming with assistance from batteries.
But Only If We Stop Burning Fossil Fuels Real Soon
Carbon dioxide comes from volcanoes, the breath of animals, plant decay, and human sources. The latter activities are primarily burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas to generate energy.
Methane gas comes from landfills, oil and natural gas systems, and agricultural activities. But also coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.
If we apply the 80-20 principle to climate change contributors that we can control, then we should begin with our carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Electricity generation and gasoline vehicle engines would be an excellent place to start.
This goal is doable if we start soon, by making electricity with hydro, tidal, wind, and natural solar resources instead, and storing it in batteries until we need it. However, you and we both need to convince our governments to achieve this life-saving goal as soon as humanly possible.
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