Emissions-heavy

Describing activities, industries, or processes that produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing significantly to climate change. This term signifies a substantial environmental impact due to the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. The 'heaviness' refers to the quantity and concentration of these harmful emissions, directly linked to the energy sources and technologies utilized, often resulting in a considerable carbon footprint. These activities generally rely heavily on fossil fuels and contribute to adverse effects on human health and ecosystems.

Emissions-heavy meaning with examples

• The steel manufacturing plant was identified as emissions-heavy, releasing significant quantities of CO2 during its production processes. This necessitated investment in cleaner technologies to comply with new environmental regulations and reduce its substantial carbon footprint, causing operational changes to be considered.
• Air travel is an emissions-heavy industry, with planes consuming large amounts of jet fuel, which releases massive volumes of greenhouse gasses that are warming the Earth and causing climate change, requiring the aviation industry to seek alternatives such as biofuels and electric aircrafts.
• Coal-fired power plants are notorious for being emissions-heavy. These power plants directly burn fossil fuels, thus directly releasing significant CO2. Transitioning away from coal is crucial for countries aiming to lower emissions, but this move can result in many financial complications.
• Shipping, especially container transport, is considered emissions-heavy, relying on bunker fuels which produces sulfur oxides and other polluting emissions. Efforts to improve energy efficiency in vessel operations are constantly being improved in order to reduce emissions.
• Cement production, requiring high-temperature processes, is an emissions-heavy industry. Manufacturing concrete releases considerable greenhouse gases, resulting in cement factories striving to embrace more environmentally friendly processes to help reduce environmental harm.