Carbon credits are tradable permits that
allow the holder to emit a specific amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs). One credit allows the emission of one ton of carbon
dioxide or the equivalent of other greenhouse gases. Carbon credits are also
known as carbon allowances. Each
credit represents one ton of CO2e avoided or removed from the
atmosphere. The ultimate goal of the carbon
credit system is to reduce the emission of GHGs into the atmosphere. Governments or regulatory bodies set an emissions
cap, allocate credits to companies, and allow trading. Companies exceeding
their cap must purchase additional credits, while those emitting less can sell
their surplus.
Mechanism
Carbon
credits operate as a market-driven tool to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions by assigning a financial value to carbon pollution. Carbon
credits operate through a systematic lifecycle involving generation,
certification, trading and retirement. Below is a brief explanation of the
process:
i. Generation: Credits are created by
projects that reduce or avoid GHG emissions, such as renewable energy
initiatives, reforestation, or carbon capture and storage.
ii. Certification: Independent bodies or
governments verify and certify the emission reductions.
iii.Trading: Credits can be bought and
sold in carbon markets. Buyers use them to offset their emissions, while
sellers gain financial support for their environmental projects.
iv.Retirement: Once used, credits are
retired to prevent double-counting.
Benefits
Carbon credits are a crucial tool in the fight against
climate change, offering numerous benefits for the environment, economy, and
society. They incentivize businesses and governments to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by assigning a monetary value to carbon reductions. Companies that
emit less than their allowance can sell surplus credits, while those exceeding
limits can purchase credits, promoting cost-effective sustainability. This
system encourages investment in renewable energy and energy-efficient
technologies, accelerating the transition to low-carbon economies.
Additionally, carbon credit projects often provide co-benefits such as job
creation and biodiversity protection in local communities. By participating in
carbon credit programs, businesses can enhance their reputation and appeal to
eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, these credits facilitate international
cooperation, allowing countries to trade emissions allowances and support each
other in meeting climate commitments. Overall, carbon credits serve as a
market-driven solution that balances economic growth with environmental
stewardship.
Climate change is one of
the most pressing challenges facing our planet today, driven primarily by human
activities that alter the natural balance of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere. Key contributors to this phenomenon include the burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, and livestock farming. Understanding how these activities
influence climate change is crucial for developing effective solutions. At the
heart of climate change lies the greenhouse effect, a natural
process that warms the Earth. Certain gases in the atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases (GHGs), act like the glass in a greenhouse. They trap
heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space. This process is
essential for maintaining a habitable climate; however, human activities have
significantly intensified this effect. The increasing concentrations of these
greenhouse gases due to human activities are driving global temperatures
higher, leading to severe consequences such as extreme weather events, rising
sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems. Addressing climate change requires
immediate action to reduce emissions across all sectors.
Carbon footprint
Carbon
footprint the total amount of greenhouse
gases produced by human activities. This environmental indicator
measures both direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)
methane (CH4), nitrogen oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). The carbon
footprintis typically measured in tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). This unit accounts for not just carbon
dioxide (CO₂) but also other greenhouse gases (GHGs).
"Tonnes of carbon
dioxide equivalent" (CO₂e) is
a standard unit used to measure the total climate impact of
different greenhouse gases (GHGs) by converting them into the equivalent amount
of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that would cause the same
warming effect over a given time (usually 100 years). Not all greenhouse gases
are equally harmful. Some trap heat much more effectively than CO₂ but may stay
in the atmosphere for shorter or longer periods. CO₂e allows us to
compare different gases fairly.
Impact of Carbon Footprint on Climate Change
A carbon footprint is the total
amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
oxide, and fluorinated gases that are generated by human actions. These gases
act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat in the atmosphere, which
leads to global warming and climate change. The
explanation of the impact of carbon footprint on climate change is as follows:
i.Greenhouse effect: Greenhouse gases
like carbon dioxide act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the
sun. This natural process keeps the planet warm enough to support life.
However, human activities, primarily the burning of
fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, deforestation, and
industrial processes, have significantlyincreased the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere.
ii.Enhanced global warming: The increased
concentration of greenhouse gases enhances the greenhouse effect, trapping more
heat and causing the Earth's average surface temperature to rise. This is known
as global warming.
iii.Climate change impacts: Global warming
drives broader changes in the Earth's climate system, known as climate change.
These changes include:
a.Rising sea levels: Warmer temperatures
cause glaciers and ice sheets to melt, adding water to the oceans. Thermal
expansion (water expanding as it warms) also contributes to sea-level rise.
This threatens coastal communities with increased flooding and erosion.
b.More frequent and
intense extreme weather events: Climate change can lead to more
heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, heavy rainfall, and intense storms like
hurricanes and cyclones.
c.Changes in
precipitation patterns: Some regions may experience more rainfall and
flooding, while others face prolonged droughts, impacting water resources and
agriculture.
d.Ocean acidification: The ocean absorbs a
significant portion of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. This
makes the ocean more acidic, harming marine life.
e.Impacts on ecosystems
and biodiversity:
Changing climate conditions can disrupt ecosystems, leading to habitat loss,
species extinction, and changes in migration patterns.
f.Threats to human
health:
Climate change can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses,
increase the spread of infectious diseases, and impact food and water security.
iv.Cumulative effect: The impact of
carbon footprint on climate change is cumulative. The more greenhouse gases we
emit into the atmosphere, the greater the warming and the more severe the
consequences will be.
Carbon
Footprint Reducing Strategies
Reducing carbon emissions is critical to combating
climate change. Here are key strategies for
individuals, businesses, and governments to minimize their carbon footprint:
i.Improving
energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources are critical
steps in reducing carbon emissions. One
of the most impactful measures is switching from fossil fuels to clean energy
alternatives like solar, wind, or hydropower, which significantly lower
greenhouse gas emissions.
ii.Adopting
sustainable transportation methods is a powerful way to combat climate change
while creating more efficient and livable communities. The most impactful approach involves reducing
reliance on private vehicles by embracing alternatives like public
transportation, cycling, and walking - all of which eliminate tailpipe
emissions while promoting healthier lifestyles.
iii.Building a
circular economy through waste reduction represents a fundamental shift toward
sustainable consumption and production. The
foundational "reduce, reuse, recycle" principle helps minimize
single-use plastics and landfill contributions, while proper organic waste
composting prevents harmful methane emissions from decomposing food scraps.
iv.Transforming our agricultural systems and
implementing carbon removal strategies are critical components of comprehensive
climate action. Choosing locally grown, seasonal produce minimizes the
carbon footprint of food transportation, while supporting regenerative farming
practices enhances soil health and increases carbon sequestration.
v.Beyond agricultural reforms, carbon offsetting and
removal mechanisms play an essential role in balancing unavoidable
emissions. Reforestation and forest restoration leverage nature's ability to
absorb CO₂, while technological solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS)
directly intercept industrial emissions. Carbon credit systems further amplify
impact by financing renewable energy projects and ecosystem restoration
initiatives.
vi.Effective
policy frameworks and corporate leadership are equally crucial for
systemic change. Carbon pricing mechanisms create economic incentives for
emission reductions. Green building certifications drive energy-efficient
construction, and corporate net-zero commitments push entire supply chains
toward decarbonization. Government support through electric vehicle subsidies,
renewable energy incentives, and green infrastructure investments accelerates
the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Together, these
multifaceted approaches create a powerful synergy for achieving meaningful
climate mitigation while building a more sustainable future.
Milk is
a white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals.
It is the primary source of nutrition for
young mammals (including breastfed human
infants) before they are able to digest solid
food. Milk plays
a vital role in human nutrition. It is one of nature's most complete foods,
packed with essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
Milk Proteins
Milk is a rich source of proteins. Milk
proteins are considered high-quality proteins because they contain all nine
essential amino acids necessary for human health. They are particularly rich in
branched-chain amino acids, which play a vital role in muscle synthesis and
repair. The presence of sulfur-containing amino acids in whey protein also
contributes to antioxidant properties, supporting overall health. Milk proteins
are not only essential for growth and development but also offer numerous
health benefits.
Milk contains two main types of
proteins, casein and whey. Together, these proteins contribute significantly to
the nutritional value of milk. Both types of proteins make milk a powerhouse
for growth and repair in the body.
Casein:
Casein accounts for about 80% of the total protein content in cow's milk. Casein
is particularly beneficial because it aids in the absorption of minerals like
calcium and phosphorus. It also provides essential amino acids that the body
cannot produce on its own. Casein is
composed of four main fractions: alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), and kappa (κ)
casein. These proteins are known for their ability to form curds.
Whey Protein: Whey protein makes up approximately 20% of milk protein.
It is known for its high digestibility and rapid absorption.Key components of whey protein include
alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin.
A1 vs. A2 Milk
The
protein profile of milk is a dynamic characteristic influenced by several
factors, including an animal's diet, health, breed, lactation stage, and age.
However, the specific variations within casein proteins, such as the
distinction between β-casein A1 and A2, are uniquely determined by the animal's
genetic makeup. Beta-casein itself is a protein composed of a chain of amino
acids, with the precise number potentially varying slightly across genetic
variants and species. In bovine milk, β-casein typically consists of a single
polypeptide chain of 209 amino acids. The critical difference between the A1
and A2 variants lies in a single amino acid at position 67; where A1 milk has histamine,
A2 milk has proline. For simplicity, these are generally termed A1 or A2 milk.
Histidine
and proline are two amino acids with distinct chemical structures and
specialized roles in protein function and biological processes. Histidine is
characterized by its imidazole side chain, which grants it unique chemical
properties, including the ability to act as a proton donor or acceptor during
enzymatic reactions. It is an essential amino acid for both adults and infants,
playing a critical role in protein synthesis and serving as a precursor for
histamine—a molecule integral to immune responses and various physiological
functions. In contrast, proline is classified as a non-essential amino acid, as
the body can synthesize it. Proline’s rigid structure, due to its secondary
amine group, makes it indispensable for shaping protein conformation,
particularly by introducing kinks or turns in polypeptide chains. Together,
histidine and proline fulfill distinct yet equally vital roles in biological
systems: histidine contributes to enzymatic activity and biochemical reactions,
while proline influences structural stability and protein folding.
Carbon
Black is a commercial form of solid carbon produced by the incomplete combustion
of hydrocarbons such as coal tar, vegetable matter, and petroleum products in
highly controlled processes. It is characterised by a high surface
area-to-volume ratio and is less crystalline than graphite. Carbon black
typically contains more than 95% pure carbon with trace amounts of oxygen,
hydrogen, and nitrogen. In simple terms, carbon black is essentially elemental
carbon in the form of extremely fine particles with an amorphous molecular
structure.
Uses of Carbon Black
Carbon Black is used extensively in various applications,
including:
Reinforcement in rubber: Carbon
Black is widely used as a reinforcing agent in tire components (such as
treads, sidewalls, and inner liners), in mechanical rubber products,
including industrial rubber products, roofing membranes, automotive rubber
parts (such as sealing systems, hoses, and anti-vibration parts), and in
general rubber products (such as hoses, belts, gaskets, and seals). In
these applications, carbon black provides reinforcement and improves
resilience, tear resistance, conductivity, and other physical properties.
Pigment and colorant: In
addition to reinforcing rubber, carbon black is used as a black pigment in
printing inks, paints, and plastics, providing high hiding power and great
color depth. In the coatings industry, finely treated carbon black is a key
to achieving deep black paints.
Conductive additive: Carbon
black is also used as an additive to improve material performance,
including conductivity, viscosity, static charge control, and UV
protection.
Electrostatic discharge applications: Carbon black is added to
rubber products for vehicles requiring anti-static properties, such as oil
trucks and hospital carts.
Types
of Carbon black
Carbon
black is classified into several types based on its production method and
properties. These different types meet specific industrial needs, from
reinforcing materials in tires to pigmentation in inks and plastics. The main
types include:
i.Furnace
black: Produced
by the partial combustion of hydrocarbons in a furnace at high temperatures
(1200-1600 °C).
ii.Channel
black: Made from
the incomplete combustion of oils in a channel furnace, resulting in larger
particle sizes. It is less commonly used today.
iii.Thermal
black: Produced by thermal decomposition of
hydrocarbons at high temperatures without air. It has a lower surface area
compared to furnace black and is a primarily used in application requiring
lower reinforcement.
iv.Acetylene
black: Produced
from the thermal decomposition of acetylene gas. It has a very high purity and
is known for its excellent electrical conductivity, making it suitable for
specialized applications like batteries.
v.Lamp
black: Historically
produced from burning oils or fats in lamps, this type is less common today and
is primarily used as a pigment.
Carbon
Black Manufacturing Process
Carbon
black is a product of incomplete combustion. It is the dark component of smoke.
Carbon black processes begin with the production of smoke. In the process, the
first step is to create an intensely hot combustion zone with a suitable fuel.
Once combustion is complete, a hydrocarbon feedstock is injected into this zone
in greater than stoichiometric quantities. With this injection, carbon black is
produced. After feedstock injection, the reaction is stopped by injecting water
or allowing the temperature to drop over time. The carbon particles thus
produced are separated from the process gas or smoke stream by conventional
means and pelletized to increase the bulk density.
Carbon
is essential for life on Earth. One carbon atom combines with two oxygen atoms
to form a chemical compound called carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a
colorless, odorless gas and is commonly abbreviated as CO2. Carbon
dioxide is produced when we burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural
gas. It is also produced by forest fires and volcanic eruptions. All aerobic
organisms produce carbon dioxide when they oxidize carbohydrates, fatty acids,
and proteins in the mitochondria of cells. Respiration, the process by which
organisms release energy from food, emits carbon dioxide. An increase in CO2
concentrations in our atmosphere is causing average global temperatures to
rise, which alters other aspects of Earth's climate. Carbon farming is a new
form of agriculture to sequester carbon in the soil. An important contribution
by farmers could be to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it
in the soil through "carbon farming".
Carbon Farming
Carbon farming refers to a set of agricultural practices
designed to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the
soil. Carbon
farming involves agricultural practices that manage carbon pools, flows, and
GHG fluxes at farm level to mitigate climate change. This includes managing
land, livestock, materials, biomass, and GHG like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O. The primary goal of carbon farming is to mitigate
climate change by enhancing carbon capture and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Through strategic land management, farmers can play a crucial role
in offsetting carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
Benefits
of Carbon Farming
i.Climate
change mitigation: The primary benefit is the significant contribution to
mitigating climate change. Carbon farming helps offset carbon emissions, acting
as a natural solution to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere.
ii.Improved soil fertility: The focus on soil
health leads to increased fertility and productivity. Healthy soils contribute
to better crop yields, reduced erosion, and enhanced resilience to
climate-related challenges.
iii.Biodiversity enhancement: Carbon farming
practices support biodiversity by creating habitats for diverse plant and
animal species. This contributes to ecological balance and resilience in the
face of environmental changes.
iv.Economic opportunities: Farmers engaged in
carbon farming may access new revenue streams through carbon offset programs.
These initiatives incentivize sustainable practices and provide financial
benefits to farmers.
Principles of carbon farming
Gabe Brown, the author of Dirt to Soil,
advocates for regenerative agriculture, which can help sequester carbon and
reverse global warming. Some of his principles include:
i.Maximize
biodiversity:
This means biodiversity in the soil as well as on the soil surface: earthworms,
bees, etc.
ii.Permanent
ground cover:
The fields are cultivated with crops all year round through under sowing and
catch crops. This supports humus build-up and prevents soil erosion.
iii.Minimizing
soil disturbance and synthetics: This refers to the use of, for example, a plough as well as
fertilizer and crop protection.
iv.Integrating
animals: Animals
move nutrients, feed the soil with manure and microbes or pollinate crops.
Animals can therefore partially replace the work of machines.
v.Keeping
living roots in the soil:
Is the key to humus build-up, because the converted solar energy enters the
soil through the root excretions.
Carbon Farming
Practices
Carbon farming encompasses a variety of practices aimed at
improving carbon sequestration in the soil. Some of major carbon farming practices
are as described below:
i.Tillage
Practices: Tillage
practices are one of the promising techniques of carbon farming. Conservation
tillage and no-tillage minimise soil disturbance and help preserve soil organic
carbon levels. The retention of crop residues is another critical aspect of
minimum tillage systems that promotes soil carbon accumulation. The use of
conservation tillage with the integration of cover crops can improve the carbon
sequestration. Conservation tillage promotes higher soil organic carbon levels.
ii.Cover
Crops:Cover crops
are increasingly recognised as a leading component of carbon farming practices,
contributing to soil carbon sequestration and improving ecosystem services.
Cover crops can mitigate GHG emissions associated with conventional
agricultural practices.
iii.Intercrops:
Intercropping systems can improve soil structure and stability. Intercropping
has been associated with improved nutrient cycling and enhanced soil health.
iv.Biogas
and Biomethane:Biogas and
biomethane play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Integrating biogas
production improves carbon stocks in soils.
v.Perennial
Plants:The carbon
sequestration potential of perennial crops is significant due to deeper root
systems. Perennial crops can sequester substantial amounts of carbon in
above-ground biomass and soil. The ability of perennial plants to maintain soil
cover year-round reduces soil erosion, enhancing their role in carbon farming.
Perennial systems support nitrogen-fixing plants, contributing to healthier
soil ecosystems and increased carbon sequestration.
vi.Agro-forestry:Agro-forestry systems enhance carbon storage
and improve soil quality and biodiversity. Enabling trees into farming systems
creates a multi-layered environment that supports greater biomass accumulation
than monoculture systems, leading to increased carbon sequestration.
vii.Organic
fertilisation and biochar:Biochar and organic fertilisation are increasingly recognised as
effective carbon farming practices.
viii.Crop
diversity and rotation: Crop diversity and rotation can
significantly influence soil organic carbon levels. Covering crops in rotation
systems can enhance soil organic carbon stocks by replacing fallow periods with
active carbon assimilation periods. This practice increases carbon storage and
improves cropland soils’ net ecosystem carbon balance.
ix.Grazing
management:Grazing management practices significantly influence soil organic carbon
levels in grasslands. Well-managed grasslands can substantially affect carbon
sequestration, while prolonged overgrazing results in high soil organic carbon
losses.
