International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day Date in the current year: January 28, 2024

The greenhouse effect occurs when certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere keep the heat radiated by the sun from being reflected back into space. Greenhouse gases absorb the heat and reflect it back to Earth, making the climate warmer. The primary greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of our planet are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and water vapor.

A moderate greenhouse effect is vital to life on Earth because without it, our planet would be much colder. However, the atmospheric concentration of greenhouses gases, especially carbon dioxide, has increased considerably since the mid-18th century (the beginning of the Industrial Revolution) due to human activities, resulting in global warming.

The major anthropogenic sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide are power generation, transportation and industrial sector, as well as forest clearance by burning and other agricultural practices. Although most people associate CO2 emissions with the burning of fossil fuels, it is not the only source of carbon dioxide. For example, carbon dioxide is also produced during the manufacture of nitrogen fertilizer.

The origins of International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day are unclear. Some sources claim it was established by the United Nations, but this observance isn’t listed among the official international days and weeks observed by the UN. Be that as it may, we do need a day when we are reminded about the dangers of the greenhouse effect and encouraged to be more environmentally conscious.

How can you observe International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day? Start by learning more about the harmful effects of CO2 emissions and the ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. Then it’s time to take action! For example, consider reducing the use of your personal vehicle in favor of more environmentally-friendly means of transportation like taking public transportation, carpooling with a friend or coworker, riding a bike, or walking whenever possible.

Other ways to reduce your CO2 emissions include consuming less and shopping at thrift stores, recycling and upcycling, reducing your use of heating in winter and air conditioning in summer (setting the temperature just a couple of degrees colder in winter and a couple of degrees warmer in summer can make a difference!), replacing standard light bulbs with LED bulbs, eating vegetarian or vegan (maybe not all the time but at least one day per week), installing solar panels on your house, etc. And don’t forget to spread the word about International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day on social media to let others know about the observance and encourage them to participate.

International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day should not be confused with Zero Emissions Day. The latter is celebrated annually on September 21; it was established in 2008 to encourage people to stop using fossil fuels for 24 hours and raise awareness of the global climate crisis.