Those emitted today will remain in the atmosphere for decades and centuries. Action taken now can avert the real possibility of major problems down the road. What counties can do Anything that burns a fossil fuel produces carbon dioxide. Major sources include motor vehicles, electrical generating plants that burn coal or natural gas, space heating systems, industrial processing and manufacturing plants, and the burning of agricultural wastes. Major sources of methane include the livestock industry and solid waste decomposing in landfills.
County government can play an important role in encouraging a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Residents can drop off or pick up reusable goods. These stem from reduced gasoline, diesel or other fuel consumption, and reduced waste disposal costs as landfill tonnage drops. For a county of even modest size, annual savings to taxpayers and ratepayers can run into the millions of dollars. Improvements in the quality of air result from the very same things that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Air pollution problems are a serious concern in many metropolitan areas.