By Vashita Ahuja

Abstract

This paper will talk about the global warming effects mainly from the consumption of fossil fuels, specifically focusing on India.

In order to address the environmental consequences associated with fossil fuels in India, it becomes imperative for the country to shift its focus towards renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. In order to promote the utilization of these sources and foster private investment in the renewable energy sector, the government has the ability to provide incentives. In addition, it is worth noting that the implementation of energy efficiency measures can effectively reduce the overall energy demand. In exploring ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructure, India can also consider the possibilities of carbon capture and storage. In conclusion, one effective approach to mitigating the environmental consequences of fossil fuel extraction and transportation is the implementation of stringent regulations and enforcement measures. In this introduction, we will explore various measures that can be taken to address environmental concerns. These measures include monitoring and reducing air and water pollution, minimizing land use impacts, and ensuring the protection of indigenous communities and their rights. 

What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels originate from the decomposition of carbon-based creatures that died millions of years ago and were subsequently buried. Carbon-rich resources are mined and burned for energy. They presently supply roughly 80% of the world’s energy and are nonrenewable. They are also utilized to produce plastic, steel, and a vast array of other things. There are three types of fossil fuels: coal, oil, and gas.

What precisely is the connection between fossil fuels and climate change?

When fossil fuels are burned, significant volumes of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, are released into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. Already, the average global temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius. Warming exceeding 1.5°C threatens additional sea-level rise, extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and species extinction, as well as food scarcity, worsened health, and poverty for millions of people throughout the world.

What effect do fossil fuels have on climate change and our planet?

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), fossil fuel emissions are the leading driver of global warming. In 2018, 89 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions originated from fossil fuels and industry. Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel, accounting for more than 0.3 degrees Celsius of the 1 degree Celsius increase in global average temperatures. This makes it the single largest contributor to global warming. The burning of petroleum is responsible for about one-third of all global carbon emissions. In recent years, there have been a series of oil spills that have had disastrous effects on our ocean’s ecosystem. Natural gas is frequently marketed as a cleaner source of energy than coal and oil. However, natural gas is still a fossil fuel and is responsible for 20 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.

Shall we proceed to use fossil fuels?

If warming is to be kept to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, the IPCC cautions, fossil fuel emissions must be cut in half by 11 years. In 2015, nations throughout the world pledged to cut their carbon output by signing the Paris Agreement. A new assessment from the United Nations Environment Programme, however, reveals that by 2030, the world will have produced more coal, oil, and gas than it can burn and yet keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. So, extra effort is required.

When it comes to the fate of our world, what part do fossil fuel corporations play?

Even though experts have called for a widespread transition to renewable energy and efficiency, fossil fuel businesses continue to be major contributors to pollution since they produce and sell fossil fuel goods. Oil giant BP has spent millions advertising its clean natural gas and carbon-free electricity in 2019. Despite the emphasis in its advertisements on renewable energy sources, BP continues to invest over 96% of its yearly budget in oil and gas. It’s not just BP, though; the issue affects the whole sector.

In December 2019, Clientearth complained about BP’s commercials to the UK National Contact Point. We have also begun an initiative to end the practice of promoting fossil fuels without a health warning similar to that displayed for cigarette products. Because the general public ought to be fully informed about fossil fuels. As part of a new strategy declaring an end to ‘business reputation advertising,’ BP pulled its ads in February 2020, and CEO Bernard Looney announced they would not be renewed. He also promised to refocus BP’s marketing efforts on supporting legislation that addresses climate change.

Impact of fossil fuels in India

Fossil fuels have been the backbone of India’s economic growth for decades. The country is heavily dependent on these resources for energy production and consumption. The use of fossil fuels has contributed to the country’s rapid industrialization and urbanization. However, the environmental impact of this over-reliance on fossil fuels has been severe, affecting both the country’s natural ecosystems and the health of its citizens.

One of the primary environmental impacts of fossil fuels in India is air pollution. The combustion of coal, oil, and gas releases harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter into the air. This has resulted in severe air pollution in many parts of the country, with major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai being among the most polluted in the world. Air pollution has numerous health impacts, ranging from respiratory illnesses to cardiovascular disease and cancer. It also damages crops and forests, impacting agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Another impact of fossil fuels on the environment in India is water pollution. The extraction and transportation of fossil fuels often result in spills and leaks that contaminate water sources. The use of fossil fuels in industrial processes also leads to the discharge of toxic chemicals into water bodies, further polluting them. This has severe implications for the health of aquatic ecosystems and the availability of clean water for human consumption and agriculture.

The extraction of fossil fuels in India also has significant impacts on land use and biodiversity. Coal mining, in particular, has been associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and the displacement of indigenous communities. The construction of infrastructure such as pipelines and power plants can also have a significant impact on local ecosystems, disrupting wildlife habitats and altering natural landscapes.

In addition to these direct environmental impacts, the use of fossil fuels in India also contributes to global climate change. The country is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, primarily due to the combustion of coal. Climate change has far-reaching impacts on the environment, including rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and the loss of biodiversity. India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, as it has a large population living in coastal areas and is heavily reliant on agriculture, which is sensitive to changes in weather patterns.

To mitigate the environmental impacts of fossil fuels in India, the government has taken several steps in recent years. These include the promotion of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the implementation of stricter emission standards for vehicles and industrial processes, and the introduction of initiatives to reduce air pollution in major cities. The government has also set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. Despite these efforts, much more needs to be done to address the environmental impacts of fossil fuels in India. The country still has a long way to go in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system, and the current dependence on fossil fuels remains a significant challenge. Efforts to promote renewable energy and reduce emissions must be scaled up, and more innovative solutions are needed to address the complex environmental and social challenges posed by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In conclusion, the impact of fossil fuels on the environment in India is severe and wide-ranging. From air and water pollution to land use and biodiversity impacts, the country’s reliance on these resources has had significant environmental and social consequences. To address these challenges, India must continue to pursue a sustainable energy transition, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources. This will require significant investments and policy changes, but it is essential to protect the country’s natural ecosystems and the health of its citizens.

Author’s Bio-

Vashita Ahuja is a second-year BCOM LLB student at JGLS who is passionate about law and environmental protection. She is a writer at the Center for New Economics Studies and produces research pieces for their site, Nickled and Dimed, to raise awareness about important environmental and social concerns.

Image Source: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/global-warming/