Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Report from the EPA

Faisal Salad
Abstract
The ozone layer is a region within our atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s UV rays. These UV rays
can be extremely harmful in abundance, which is why the ozone layer is a very important layer of
defense for us. Greenhouse gases damage our ozone layer considerably which is why we must take the
necessary precautions to help mitigate that. Investing in lower-emission energy solutions such as
cogeneration and biofuels along with reducing flaring will assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Rate of Depletion of the Ozone Layer

Primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions
Throughout the last few decades, a significant amount of ozone depletion has taken place in our
atmosphere. Studies have shown that since the 70s, there has been a steady decrease of about 4
percent in the total amount of ozone in the atmosphere (Fahey and Hegglin). Some of the primary
contributors to the depletion of our ozone layer are the manufactured chemicals that are released into
our atmosphere, commonly known as greenhouse gases. The process of releasing greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere is known as venting. Methane is one of the most potent of the greenhouse gases and is
responsible for about a quarter of all the manmade global warming experienced today (EDF). A large
amount of methane emissions comes from ExxonMobil here in the US. In the year of 2017, 169,000
metric tons of methane emissions were reported (ETO Energy). Measures have been taken to reduce
that number, but it still is not enough.

Hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica taken September 17th 2001 (Britanicca)

Investing in Lower-Emission Energy Solutions

The answer to reducing the amount of venting taking place at ExxonMobil is to invest in lower-emission
energy solutions. Alternative energy solutions such as cogeneration, biofuels, carbon capture and flare
reduction are all viable ways of reducing the current greenhouse gas emissions.
The Results of Expanding Upon Lower-Emission Energy Solutions
With the amount of greenhouse gases entering into our atmosphere, and the lack of necessary action to
stop it, we are setting the future generations of mankind up for failure. A world without clean air, a
world with a ruptured ozone layer with dangerous ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrating through,
rising sea levels and rapid climate changes is not a welcoming world for those who come after us. Since
the industrial revolution, we have been heavily relying on fossil fuels to generate energy and to power
our systems. We have made some strides in the right direction within the last century, but this world is
still very much fossil-fuel dependent. Fortunately, the changes done to our ozone layer have made the
public aware about the situation. Research into alternative solutions has become progressively more
relevant within the last few decades. Of those alternative solutions is researching lower-emission energy
sources. Investing in lower-emission energy solutions will result in more energy efficiency and less
greenhouse gas emissions.

Cogeneration
The production of electricity while simultaneously capturing heat or steam for later use is known as
cogeneration. It is also known as CHP or “combined heat and power.” Through the use of a heat engine
or power engine, electricity is generated while creating useful heat at the same time. By capturing the
usually released heat, cogeneration cuts back on greenhouse gas emissions all while being more energy
efficient. Traditional systems are not as efficient as cogeneration systems when it comes to producing
energy and fuel management. The costs for heat, cooling, and power are often times cooler than
traditional systems. Along with those benefits comes with the increased reliability of cogeneration
systems and the potential backup power supply (RedVector). The greatest benefit, however, is its ability
to cut-back on the methane emissions. Investing in cogeneration and making it a primary source of
energy production is sure to improve our ozone situation.

Biofuels
Biofuels are combustible fuels created from biomass (SE). The term is usually used to represent Ethanol
and Biodiesel as a means of replacement for current transportation fuels (such as gasoline, diesel, and
jet fuel). Ethanol is an alcohol produced through the process of fermentation, while biodiesel is the
product of oil extract produced by naturally occurring plants and seeds. There are three categories or
“generations” of biofuels. The first generation is made from food crops. Ethanol comes from sugar cane,
corn and maize. Biodiesel comes from soybeans, canola, and other naturally occurring vegetable oils.
The second category comes from cellulosic material (SE). Organisms such as wood, grasses, and inedible
plants make up the majority of this category. Lastly, the category that promises the greatest source of
hope, is the third generation of biofuels. This generation is produced using algae. The production and
research of biofuel is a great first step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. MIT researches from
the journal Environmental Science and Technology have concluded that biofuels, specifically algal
biofuels have about “a 50 percent lower life cycle” than petroleum-derived fuel (ExxonMobil). Of the
many benefits of algae, their CO2 consumption becomes the most prevalent here. Algae absorb CO2 and
through that process reduce emissions while producing energy. As of now, biofuels are the only viable
replacement to petroleum transportation fuels. This is because they can “be used in our existing
combustion engines” (SE). While there is dispute about how re-useable biofuels are, it is known that
they have far greater regenerative capability than fossil fuels which take millions of years to form.

Flare reduction
Flaring is done when there is excess gas. Instead of releasing the excess directly into the atmosphere, it
is burned or “flared.” It is done primarily for safety reasons, but it still contributes to a noticeable
amount of greenhouse gas emissions. An initiative needs to be started to reduce flaring across the board
as it is a harmful process to our ozone layer. Alternatives such as biofuel should be used to avoid this
situation.

Gas flaring (World Bank)

Conclusion
Our ozone layer within this last half-century has been depleting more than it ever has. In order to halt
this depletion and protect our planet from harmful UV radiation, essential measures must be taken.
From the many benefits of these solutions, it is very clear that lower-emission energy solutions such as
cogeneration and biofuels are investments we must take part in. This will reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and ultimately stabilize the ozone within our stratosphere. This will also set a precedent for
other energy producing corporations and encourage environment-friendly energy production. By doing
so, we set the future generations up for success rather than failure and ensure them a safe environment
to dwell in.
References
“Advanced Biofuels and Algae Research.” ExxonMobil, corporate.exxonmobil.com/research-and-

innovation/advanced-biofuels/advanced-biofuels-and-algae-
research#biofuelsResearchPortfolio.

EDF. “Methane: The Other Important Greenhouse Gas.” Environmental Defense Fund,

www.edf.org/climate/methane-other-important-greenhouse-gas.

“Gas Flaring Reduction.” World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gas-flaring-reduction.

“Mitigating Emissions in Our Operations.” ExxonMobil, 24 Oct. 2018,

corporate.exxonmobil.com/community-engagement/sustainability-report/managing-risks-of-
climate-change/mitigating-emissions-in-our-operations#flaring.

“Ozone Depletion.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

www.britannica.com/science/ozone-depletion/images-videos.

"Twenty Questions and Answers About the Ozone Layer" (PDF).Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion:

2010. World Meteorological Organization. 2011. Retrieved March 13, 2015.