Just How Much CO2 Does Cremation Contribute To Global Warming? This Is No Easy Calculation Free From Controversy And A Lot Of Gaslighting From All Ends (Pun Intended!) So Let's Simply Compare The Impact Of Cremation With Something Else That Is Commonplace But Also Produces CO2 As Part Of Its Design—Pickup Trucks.
Although a properly operated and properly maintained cremation facility is a low and insignificant source of hazardous emissions, the process of reducing a deceased human or pet to a bone fragment state involves the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels which, with the addition of oxygen necessary for the process. This means intentional production of safe and breathable CO2 and H2O gasses. The downside to this is that an overabundance of CO2 in the atmosphere can trap heat and contribute to rising planetary temperatures and all that goes with it. BUT just how much CO2 does cremation contribute to global warming? This is no easy calculation free from controversy and a lot of gaslighting from all ends (pun intended!) so let’s simply compare the impact of cremation with something else that is commonplace but also produces CO2 as part of its design—Pickup Trucks.
Seemingly unrelated sources—pickup trucks and crematories—each have distinct impacts on the environment. Here’s a comparative look at their CO2 emissions:
Pickup Trucks
1. Fuel Efficiency and Usage:
– Average Emissions:
Pickup trucks, especially those with larger engines, are known for their relatively high CO2 emissions. On average, a new gasoline-powered pickup truck emits about 450 grams of CO2 per mile driven.
– Annual Emissions:
Assuming a typical pickup truck is driven 15,000 miles per year, it would produce approximately 6.75 metric tons of CO2 annually.
2. Factors Influencing Emissions:
– Engine Size:
Larger engines and more powerful trucks emit more CO2.
– Driving Conditions: Emissions can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance.
– Fuel Type:
Diesel pickups tend to emit more NOx but may have slightly better CO2 performance compared to gasoline counterparts.
Crematories
1. Operational Emissions:
– Average Emissions:
The process of cremating a single body typically releases about 160-245 kg (0.16 to 0.245 metric tons) of CO2. This includes the combustion of the body and the fuel used to achieve the high temperatures required.
– Annual Emissions:
A crematory operating 1,000 cremations per year could emit between 160 to 245 metric tons of CO2 annually.
2. Factors Influencing Emissions:
– Fuel Type:
Most crematories use natural gas, but some may use propane or other fuels, which can affect emissions.
– Efficiency of Equipment:
Modern, well-maintained crematories with efficient combustion technology emit less CO2.
– Operational Practices:
The frequency and efficiency of cremation processes can impact overall emissions.
Comparative Analysis
1. Scale of Emissions:
– On an individual basis, the emissions from a single cremation are significantly higher than a single mile driven by a pickup truck. However, a pickup truck’s emissions accumulate over time with frequent use.
– Over a year, the CO2 emissions from one pickup truck (approximately 6.75 metric tons) are far less than the emissions from a crematory conducting hundreds or thousands of cremations annually.
2. Environmental Impact:
– Pickup Trucks:
While each pickup truck’s annual emissions are lower, the large number of pickup trucks on the road contributes significantly to overall transportation-related CO2 emissions.
– Crematories:
Although fewer in number, crematories contribute concentrated emissions during each cremation event. Their overall impact is smaller compared to the millions of vehicles on the road, but they still represent a notable source of emissions.
Both pickup trucks and crematories contribute to CO2 emissions in different ways. Pickup trucks, due to their prevalence and regular use, have a cumulative impact that is substantial within the transportation sector. Crematories, while fewer in number, emit a significant amount of CO2 per event, leading to a concentrated but smaller overall contribution compared to the entire fleet of pickup trucks. Understanding and mitigating these emissions through improved technology, efficiency measures, and alternative practices is crucial for reducing their environmental impact.
