Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the common type of gas emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. The higher the carbon content in the fossil fuel or the more inefficient the burning process is, generally the more CO2 that is produced.
European engine emission critea, often referred to as 'Euro' standards measure the improvements in engine technology that reduce carbon emissions. These standards started at Euro 1 and in 2007 rose to Euro 4 and Euro 5. The higher the number the higher the emission standards.
When this CO2 is released into the atmosphere it remains there until it is absorbed in some form. For example approximately 50% of all CO2 released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans. Did you know that the North Sea has the highest absorption rate of any ocean on earth? Animals and plants also absorb CO2.
The ocean absorbs half of all carbon released into the atmosphere. This drives up acidity levels which reduces the ability for crustaceans and molluscs to form shells. These creatures form the basis of the ocean food chain that supports marine mammals such as dolphins and whales. As a company that interacts with dolphins and whales on a regular basis this chain of events is relevant to our sustainability journey.
CO2, like all greenhouse gases does not absorb light waves (like those emitted from the Sun as Sun light) however when that sun light strikes the earth it is converted into heat waves which are radiated back into space. CO2 absorbs heat waves because they have longer wave lengths than sun light does, thus stopping the heat from being reflected into space.
This is called the "greenhouse effect" and has been linked by scientists to global climate change. InterCity is not taking a stand on this link, one way or the other. What is clear is that regardless of this link, if we reduce CO2 emissions the air we breathe will be cleaner and that has got to be good for everyone.