The threat of impending global warming is looming large on us. Escalating global temperature, caused by mounting green house gas emission has largely been attributed to human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation. As industries continue to operate and grow, increasing bottom-lines imply rising carbon footprint. Every time electricity is used, a stove is lit, the toilet flushed, even when we breathe, carbon in some form is discharged into the environment. Concern about climate change as well as the challenges and risks it poses will require sustained efforts to develop understanding and effective solutions, while simultaneously meeting the growing needs of the society. We need to use less fuel, minimize waste and save energy to curb our emissions.

Here are some alarming figures:

Levels (proved reserves) during 2005-2007

Oil: 1,119-1,317 billion barrels (178-209 billion cubic meter) [43 years of production left in the ground]

Gas: 6,183-6,381 trillion cubic feet (175-181 trillion cubic meter) [61 years of production left using levels and flows above]

Coal: 997,748 million short tons (905 billion tonnes) [148 years of production left using levels and flows above