Managing CO₂ Emission in the Energy Sector and Climate Policy

Abstract

Aim: The article presents information on the issue of CO2 emission (called greenhouse gas) from the energy sector, along with tools enabling the deter- mination of CO2 emissivity used to manage this process and the directions of actions taken to minimize the negative impact on the climate. Introduction: CO2 is one of the substances essential for the functioning of life on Earth. On one hand, it is an important element of the carbon cycle in nature, being the basis for the synthesis of carbohydrates. On the other hand, it belongs to the group of greenhouse gases responsible for the climate change – and for this reason, it must be subject to constant control. Due to this fact, appropriate measures are taken, including changes in law, in the scope of emission, as well as the introduction of modern technological solutions aimed at monitoring and reducing CO2 emission. Activities undertaken in the area of energy, the branch of the economy generating the largest amounts of anthropogenic CO2, accounting for 41% of global emissions of this gas, are of significant importance [1]. The developed tools, allowing to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emissions, expressed by emission indicators, allow for the assessment of the activities undertaken both in terms of ecology and economy. Methodology: The article was prepared on the basis of a review of selected literature, and reports as well as applicable legal requirements in the field of the discussed subject. Conclusions: The implemented measures aimed at the application of emission indicators in the area of energy allowed for the definition of forecasts and the determination of the directions of activities, in order to reduce the emission of CO2. The gradual implementation of new technological solutions, enabling energy production based on biomass or other renewable energy sources, allows for the reduction of the emission of this gas. However, given the constantly increasing energy demand, it is a slow process which is not sufficient to stop the observed changes. Therefore, it is necessary to take further steps, to develop more reliable and homogeneous tools that would make it possible to compare the results regardless of the place of emission or the type of fuel used. However, it should be noted that it is necessary to cover all stages of the construction and operation of the energy sector with the measures mentioned above, which generate CO2 emission, and not only the combustion process itself. Keywords: emissivity, CO2, power engineering, climate change Type of article: review article