We are familiar with the definition of Climate
for quite a long time. Unlike the indigenous proxy measures like tree rings,
fossils, etc., we employ instruments and data to measure temperature and
precipitation under the concept of climate science. It renders the knowledge of
key life-supporting factors. Atmosphere, being one such essential
factor.
So, are we affecting this blanket?
Well, the scientific response is yes, we are
affecting the atmosphere, by releasing natural resources and fossil fuels. And
this is indeed changing the ability of the atmosphere to trap heat. The global
annual temperature has increased at an average of 0.08 degrees Celsius per
decade since 1880 that hiked ocean height by 6 inches. Many of such negative
physical impacts are starting to be evident now. But there are also the
economic implications that are currently being studied and are worrisome. These
are evident across the spectrum of human activities, ranging from agricultural
yields to labor productivity, to health. Two inter-dependent activities are
proposed that are relevant among us, businesses, government, and nations to
cater to such impacts.
- The
Activity of Mitigation – Businesses, Policymakers, and consumers coming
forward to realize/counter exploitation and deterioration collectively.
Technical resolves with innovation are needed to grab the golden key.
- Adaptability – Undertaking short-term reforms for a long-term perspective demands adaptability during the transition and sustenance.
Case Study: TATA STEEL
Thermal Industry produced a maximum, nearly 70%,
of the world's carbon emissions. The steel industry also requires the burning
of coal and melting iron ore to produce steel. Conventionally, burning coal for
making electricity or steel emits a lot of carbon to the environment. Thus,
raising the average temperature of the earth causing numerous harmful
implications.
Fe2O3(s)+3C(s)→Δ2Fe(l)+3CO(g)
TATA Steel Ltd. has claimed that it will become a carbon-free steel maker by 2050, paving the way to sustainability. The plant would save up to 350,000 t/yr. of CO2. The hydrogen could be used as a reductant in the steelmaking process, within the production of direct reduced iron.
Conventional Method: TATA company uses blast furnaces for melting coal with iron to produce steel and carbon as a by-product.
Sustainable Method: They plan to make use of hydrogen as a reacting agent instead of oxygen by using the electrolysis technique. In which iron ore would react with hydrogen to produce iron (desired product) and H2O (By product).