Human use of fossil fuels for energy is the main cause of the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. For hundreds of years, humans have been re-emitting carbon into the atmosphere through the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil, which are derived from carbon that is taken from plants.

As of May 2022, the average global concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is 421 parts per million, or 0.04%. It's crucial to comprehend that "parts per million" refers to the number of carbon dioxide molecules in one million molecules of dry air. When CO2 levels rise from 365 parts per million (ppm) in 2002 to more than 420 ppm this time, here is how the colours shift.

When CO2 levels rise from 365 parts per million (ppm) in 2002 to more than 420 ppm this time, here is how the colours shift. From 280 ppm 10,000 years ago to the mid-18th century, when the Industrial Revolution started, this indicates a 50% growth. This rise is the result of human activity. Life on Earth is impossible if atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations rise to 800 parts per million.

The vice chancellor of Anna University, Prof. R. Velraj, asserts that adhering to the precepts of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is essential if we hope to preserve human life. We can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by utilising renewable resources and altering the way we consume energy. Examples of renewable energy sources are the sun, wind, and other biomass sources. Utilising renewable energy sources efficiently requires energy storage because it closes the gap between supply and demand. Because renewable energy is highly intermittent, the source and demand are not in line. The current focus should be on promoting energy storage technology in order to merge renewable energy with storage technology and meet all of our energy needs with renewable energy.

The needs for movement and electricity are satisfied by fossil fuels. There's a chance that if these devices run on renewable energy, the atmospheric concentration of CO2 will drop. Solar energy can be utilised to create hydrogen and can also be used to charge electric and hydrogen-powered automobiles. Right now, there isn't enough storage capacity to support major power generation, such as producing a lot of electricity from power plants. Thus, pumped hydro storage systems are the only feasible technique.

Since storage technology is expensive, we can employ "one world one grid" in its place. Anywhere in the world can produce solar energy, so if the entire planet is wired into a single transmission grid, the countries that don't receive any sunshine must get their energy from the other half of the planet through this grid. It is feasible to link the entire planet to use solar energy if it is connected to a single grid and storage technology is nonexistent. The globe will become greener, more sustainable, and have less CO2 in the atmosphere because of this technology.

About the Speaker : Dr. R. Velraj, Former VC of Anna University, Chennai

Educational Background : Ph.D., (Thermal Storage Studies for Energy Applications) from Anna University in 1999 (16 months research stay at Solar Institute, Juelich, Germany under DAAD fellowship during 1995-1997).

He has 30 years of teaching experience and has published more than 150 research papers in reputed international journals. Dr. R. Velraj is a recipient of “DAAD Award” for Ph.D. Research at Solar Institute, Juelich during June 1995 - Jan 1997 by DAAD, Germany. He has also been the recipient of the prestigious "Bharat Jyothi Award” by IIFS, New Delhi for meritorious services, outstanding performance and remarkable role in Science and Technology category awarded by former Governor of TamilNadu and Assam in the year 2017.

About the Correspondent : Ritesh Ranjan - Correspondent at Doordarshan Kendra. Ritesh has worked as a Principal correspondent of Zee Hindustan, Tamil Nadu. He has more than ten years of reporting experience in Hindi national daily Rajasthan Patrika. During the period of October 2008 – 2019, he has worked as the legal, crime, and education correspondent and did a  number of big stories which earned eyeballs. Freelancing with DD News, Down to Earth, Infodea &  Navbharat Time.