Cars Emit More Carbon Than Naturally Absorbed, Study Finds

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released the results of their study about carbon dioxide “sequestered” or naturally absorbed from the atmosphere. The forests, grasslands, and other ecosystems of the West absorb 100 million tons of carbon each year, which is the equivalent of more than 83 million passenger cars’ emissions. This is only “5 percent of EPA’s 2010 estimate of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions.”

According to the DOI report, the West sequesters almost one and a half times as much carbon as the Great Plains region, the first area studied.

Although the Western ecosystems currently provide “a strong carbon sink now,” due to future changes, such as wildfires, land use and land-cover, that may change. While your company may not control those changes, there is something you can do.

One way to mitigate the negative affect of additional atmospheric carbon release is to reduce vehicle emissions. Using a Green GPS tracking solution can help. By monitoring your drivers’ habits behind the wheel and training each to drive safer, more efficiently will reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Additionally, it saves you money by reducing unnecessary fuel use when idling, speeding, or driving a circuitous route.

To help your region and your company reduce carbon emissions, incorporate a Green GPS tracking solution today.

Source:  www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/interior-releases-study-of-carbon-storage-and-sequestration-in-western-ecosystems-as-part-of-national-assessment.cfm; Photo: http://freebigpictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/glade.jpg

Categories: Fleet Emissions News

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