One of the biggest sources of air pollution is traditional fossil fuel combustion, which is powering so many of our vehicles, and so much of our electricity grid.
We have big challenges, and lots of experts are working on the best way to approach better climate science.
Exxon/Mobile has just come out with a plan for 2050 net-zero implementation, centered on a detailed emission reduction roadmap.
Spokespersons state that the company started these plans in 2022, and are updating them continuously.
Focusing on four components – technology, scale, integration, and functional excellence, the company is looking to bring what it calls ‘industrial-scale solutions’ to the forefront.
The plan also stresses strategic priorities, leading performance, essential partner advantage, innovative solutions, and meaningful development.
In describing this initiative, Exxon covers its operations in the third world, in places like Papua New Guinea and Ghana.
We have evolved our operating model, enabling efficiencies that better leverage the scale of an increasingly integrated company,” wrote one Exxon spokesperson. “At the same time, we have centralized many of the skills and capabilities required by our business, allowing us to improve allocation of critical resources; drive continuous improvement, including detection and measurement of emissions; and grow value. This serves us well in a variety of future scenarios, irrespective of the pace of the energy transition.”
In terms of decreasing emissions, writers point out specific improvements: for one thing, Exxon has eliminated high bleed pneumatic devices, and established something called the center for operations in methane emissions tracking or COMET.
There’s a lot more detail in the report – It presents a picture of a business dedicated to pivoting in ways that will accommodate the climate work that has to happen, and along with it, the improvement of our air and water.
However, some criticize the company for tricky wording when it comes to climate change and related science: A Times story from May 2021 goes over some of the elements of the company’s tactical messaging including a focus on consumer responsibility.
“A new analysis from researchers at Harvard University released Thursday found that the company’s public-facing messaging on climate change since the mid-2000s consistently emphasizes ‘consumers,’ ‘energy demand’ and individual ‘needs’ as the cause of climate change, as well as the avenue for potentially addressing it,” writes Justin Worland. “Outwardly focusing on consumers’ personal responsibility is one part of the company’s nuanced messaging to deflect the blame for climate change without denying the science behind it, the researchers say.”
It may be hard to regulate air quality by regulating fossil fuel combustion or greenhouse gas emissions.
However, families and households can act to protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution indoors.
Indoor air pollution is a significant problem, too. Different factors lead to poor air quality within a home.
One of the best ways to deal with this problem is by using air monitors to figure out contaminant levels, and then use air purifier machines to scrub the indoor air of things like mold, dust mites, pet dander, etc.
It’s also good to be on the lookout for different types of potentially harmful chemicals. Formaldehyde and VOCs can be hazardous, and when they get stuck in indoor air, scrubbing them out can be beneficial.
If you’re looking for the best air purifiers for your home, we can help – US Air Purifiers LLC™ has the experience and the track record of helping customers to find the right fit for their air cleaning strategies. Look for models with high-quality HEPA filters and carbon activation that you can use to improve your family’s health in your home.