The Environmental Impacts of Carbon Emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is released into the atmosphere by the combustion of carbon-containing fuels and petroleum-based distillates. In the natural environment, CO₂ and other greenhouse gases are stored in a number of ways, under variable naturally-occurring conditions. Extraction of carbon-based fuels can be a source of carbon emissions. The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was an important international environmental agreement. One of the biggest obstacles in managing environmental problems is that many environmental issues are seen as international in scope rather than local. Kyoto-compliant projects using carbon offsets are becoming popular. Hundreds of projects, mostly in Brazil, China, and India, when fully implemented, will reduce CO₂ emissions by the equivalent of 115 million tons annually. The Kyoto Summit brought 160 nations together in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and devise ways to mitigate climate change. Extraction of carbon-based fuels can be a source of carbon emissions.