Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States of America - Essay Example

of Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United s of America The greenhouse effect is caused by the depletion of the ozone layer of the atmosphere and the increase in the carbon dioxide content in the same (Halmann and Steinberg, 1). This has been extremely hazardous for the flora and fauna of the world. These problems have been sought to be solved through many a summit but to little avail. The importance of reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the United States of America hardly needs to be emphasized as in many cases, it has set the precedent for the industries of the world.

Here too, the environmental movement has acquired greater visibility. The United States of America is the largest emitter of carbon dioxide that is emitted by vehicles, in the world (U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment, 150). One of the ways in which this problem can be tackled is through the increase in the use of public transport. People need to be made aware of the importance of reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and the issues of sustainability that arise from such prolonged use.

On the other hand, there is also an urgent need for the renovation of public transport systems across America. The American public transport system has degenerated to the extent that horror films have begun to make movies based on them. They need to be made safer and more convenient. Apart from this, the incentives for using them, such as higher taxes on fossil fuels, also needs to be enforced. Another step that can be taken to reduce greenhouse emissions is to encourage the corporate sector to reduce their emissions.

The Environmental Protection agency has taken up many initiatives to encourage the private sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Such private-public partnerships have enabled firms in America to reduce their load as far reducing emissions are concerned. In many cases, the cost of reducing emissions is the cause for the firms’ reluctance to take it up (What EPA is Doing about Climate Change, n.p.). The government’s involvement in the cause goes a long way in supporting American firms while competing with other nations which do not have stringent environmental norms.

Another step that needs to be taken is the increase in the cooperation of state and federal agencies (Bianco, et al., n.p.). These relationships are often marked by a lack of cooperation and trust as a result of problems which have arisen in the management of funds. The environmental program needs to be divorced from such issues and given priority. The economic aspect needs to not be an obstacle in the preservation of the environment. The environment and its preservation should not be considered optional in today’s world.

While this is the responsibility of the entire world, one must also not forget that in many such situations, the United States of America has set a precedent, having at its disposal, more resources. It can do so in this matter as well, for the larger benefit and for its own as well. Works Cited Bianco, Nicholas; et al. “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the United States Using Existing Federal Authorities and State Action”. World Resources Institute online. July 2010. Web. 15 Dec 2013.

Halmann, Martin H.; Steinberg, Meyer. Greenhouse Gas Carbon Dioxide Mitigation: Science and Technology. Florida: CRC P LLC, 1999. Print. United States, Office of Technology Assessment, Congress. Changing by Degrees : Steps to Reduce Greenhouse Gases. Washington DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1991. Print. “What EPA is Doing about Climate Change”. United States Environmental Protection Agency online. 24 Sep 2013. Web. 15 Dec 2013.