The carbon footprint of different energy sources

Between heaven and earth, there are thousands of energy states, and their function in the world is great. However, when various energy sources are supplied with energy, the traces of carbon left are different. The difference in this carbon footprint is related to the change of the climate of heaven and earth, and it is also important to the world.

Let's talk about fossil energy first. Coal is buried deep in the ground and has been cultivated over time. Its combustion, burning fire, can heat and generate electricity, and is the foundation of the industrial boom in the past. However, the carbon footprint of coal is huge. For every ton burned, a large amount of carbon dioxide escapes into the atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect to intensify. The reason is that coal has a high carbon content, and the carbon is converted into carbon dioxide during the combustion process, which drifts between heaven and earth.

Petroleum is another important fossil energy. It is widely used, can be used as a power for vehicles, and is also a source of chemical raw materials. However, its refining and combustion also leave significant carbon marks. Vehicle fuel, exhaust emissions, and carbon dioxide are released. In cities, smog is getting heavier, which is not unrelated to the carbon footprint of oil. And the oil extraction process also has carbon emissions. From oil wells to refineries, carbon is released continuously.

Natural gas, compared to coal and oil, has a slightly smaller carbon footprint. Its main component, methane, is burned more fully, and under the same heat, carbon dioxide emissions are slightly lower. However, methane leakage during natural gas extraction and transportation cannot be ignored. The greenhouse effect of methane is several times that of carbon dioxide, so although the carbon footprint of natural gas is small, it cannot be ignored.

Looking at clean energy again. Solar energy is inexhaustible and inexhaustible. Photovoltaic panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity, with little carbon emissions in the process. The sun shines and the current surges between photovoltaic panels. This is a combination of natural forces and artificial technology, and the carbon footprint is nearly zero. However, the manufacture of photovoltaic panels requires energy consumption and consumables. There are certain carbon emissions at this stage, but in the long run, the carbon emission reduction in the operation stage is significant.

Wind energy is also clean energy. The windmill rotates and is converted into electricity by the power of the wind. Where the wind passes, the windmill rotates leisurely without carbon dioxide emissions. However, the construction of wind farms, equipment manufacturing, transportation and installation all have energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, in long-term operation, the carbon reduction of wind power generation is much higher than the previous investment.

Water energy, damming and interception, water potential energy is converted into electricity. Although the construction of the dam is huge and the carbon emissions are considerable in the early stage, the carbon emissions during the operation of the power station are extremely low. The flow of water drives the turbine and provides continuous power supply, which is an important energy source for carbon reduction.

The carbon footprints of different energy sources have their own strengths and weaknesses. In order to protect the peace of the world and the stability of the climate, the world should gradually abandon high-carbon energy and widely use low-carbon and carbon-free clean energy for a long time.