What innovations can help reduce industrial emissions?

The choice highlighting cleaner production technologies and carbon capture and storage systems is recognized as a robust approach to reducing industrial emissions. Cleaner production technologies focus on minimizing waste and emissions at their source by adopting processes that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. For example, these technologies might involve using renewable resources, optimizing resource usage, or redesigning products to reduce toxicity.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems play a critical role by capturing carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, storing it underground, or repurposing it instead of releasing it into the atmosphere. This technology addresses the challenge of greenhouse gas emissions directly at their source, making it a significant innovation in the fight against climate change.

In contrast, the other options do not effectively contribute to reducing emissions. Increased fuel consumption and extended use of old equipment generally lead to higher emissions due to inefficiency and outdated technology. Relying solely on government regulations and enforcement may not lead to significant reductions if industries do not actively adopt innovative practices; effective collaboration and voluntary participation in emission-reduction strategies are often necessary. Lastly, installing more manufacturing units in urban areas could exacerbate air quality issues by increasing emissions in already congested areas, instead of promoting sustainability and pollution reduction.