B’luru’s vehicles highest emitters of greenhouse gases: IISc study

BENGALURU: The city has earned a dubious distinction as far as pollution parameters are concerned. It has become the highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the transport sector — 44% of Bengaluru's total emissions come from its vehicles. For Delhi, the figure stands at 32%, says an IISc study. The study provides the 'Greenhouse Gases (GHG) footprint' of seven major cities — Delhi, Chennai, Greater Bengaluru, Greater Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. A footprint is an aggregation of gases which cause the greenhouse effect in a particular area. Scientists TV Ramachandra, Bharath H Aithal and K Sreejith used the data to link GHG emissions with population and economic growth, since the consumption of fuel is closely connected to both. The study also found that the domestic sector causes the majority of emissions in the country due to energy consumption, apart from mismanagement of waste (solid and liquid). Electricity amounted to about 30% of emissions in Delhi, and 39% in Chennai and Mumbai. Blame it on glass facades On an average, a Bengalurean requires 1,200-1,400 units (kwh) for domestic activities, revealed the study. However, recent architectural interventions like glass facades in buildings have increased the consumption of electricity by almost 10 times (14,750-15,500 units per year). Higher consumption contributes to higher GHG emissions and warming of the Earth. Quote: Use alternatives There's a need for constant monitoring of greenhouse gases, especially in a developing country like India where controlled growth can be achieved. Alternatives like wind and solar energy can be used in each sector. TV Ramachandra, Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc MAJOR POLLUTERS Sector Emissions Electricity 15%-24% Industries 10%-20% Waste management 3%-9% Agriculture and livestock management Less than 3% (Statistics denote average of all cities surveyed) -TOI