Question

explain how the production of cement products is contributing to the problem of global warming.

Answer 1

The gradual increase in the overall temperature of earths atmosphere is referred to as Global warming. It is mainly attributed to the emission of green house gases. Green house gases include, Carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide, chloro fluro carbons etc..with carbon dioxide as the major contributor. It is the major heat trapping gas which results in global warming.

Cement is the primary ingredient of concrete which is essential and an unavoidable material for construction purposes.Its requirement and need is very high as it makes it one of the most consuming substance in our earth. But the major problem associated with cement production is the release of carbon dioxide, which is a potent and major green house gas that can contribute to global warming.

Limestone is the major component of cement and to produce cement clay like materials are heated in a kiln at extremely higher temperatures. The production of cement is highly heat intensive. This causes both direct and indirect emissions of carbon dioxide.

Kilns are usually heated by coals which releases CO₂ indirectly while the burning of limestone in the initial stage of cement production causes the release of large amount of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Moreover, cement is a product with no recycle value. So,for every purposes, it has to be made and when each time cement is produced in tones, this release of CO₂ repeats. This can ultimately result in global warming.