There are both natural and human sources of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural sources include decomposition, ocean release and respiration. Human sources come from activities like cement production, deforestation as well as the burning offossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas.

Climate change is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. This carbon overload is caused mainly when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas or cut down and burn forests.

There are many heat-trapping gases (from methane to water vapor), but CO2 puts us at the greatest risk of irreversible changes if it continues to accumulate unabated in the atmosphere. 

CO2 has contributed more than any driver to climate change between 1750 and 2011. After a pulse of CO2 is emitted into the atmosphere, 40% will remain in the atmosphere for 100 years and 20% will reside for 1000 years, while the final 10% will take 10,000 years to turn over. This literally means that the heat-trapping emissions we release today from our cars and power plants are setting the climate our children and grandchildren will inherit. 

Ways to reduce carbon:

1.       walk or ride your bike in order to avoid carbon emissions completely

2.       reduce use of air travels

3.       select appliances bearing the ENERGY STAR label are recognized for having superior efficiency

4.       Add solar panels to the roof of your home.