Rises in Global CO2 Emission Levels Continue through 2018

California-based entrepreneur Levon Termendzhyan works in the clean-air energy industry. The equity owner of Viscon USA and Viscon International, he oversees the production and sale of a diesel fuel additive that reduces diesel emissions. Beyond that, Levon Termendzhyan is involved in numerous other clean-air companies, multiple joint ventures with Native American tribes, and several biofuel companies.

According to reports from the Global Carbon Project (GCP), the 2018 levels of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are at their highest point in nearly 20 years. The organization believes the year will close with a 2.7 percent increase in total CO2 emissions around the world. This is a big jump compared to the 2017 rise of 1.6 percent, a figure that many experts thought was a small, temporary boost considering CO2 levels had remained steady throughout 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The sudden spike in CO2 levels has been attributed to an increase in activity in China. Coal use within the country rose nearly 5 percent in 2018 as it worked to support its growing economy. This trend has been consistent since the year 2000. On top of that, the cold winter and warm summer in the United States played a role in the escalation of CO2 emissions since it drove up the demand for energy among residents.

China and the U.S. are far from the only countries contributing to the rising CO2 levels, as well. The European Union, Russia, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Canada are also some of the largest emitters in the world. In many of these regions, the amount of fuel used for road transportation and flights increased due to the rise in demand for oil. Meanwhile, the growth of green energy has not been able to keep up with this trend.

Global Biofuel Market Poised for Significant Growth

A successful leader in the energy business, Levon Termendzhyan serves as an equity holder of Viscon, a company that produces and distributes a diesel-fuel additive to reduce harmful toxic emissions. In addition to this, Levon Termendzhyan serves as a joint-venture partner with Ibris Bio-Fuels Pte., Ltd., as part of his efforts to introduce biofuels to the U.S. market.

According to the 2017-2023 Global Automotive Biofuels Market report, the automotive biofuels market will increase to nearly $196 billion by 2023 from $118.63 billion in 2017. During this time, the market will experience an 8.67 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

Biofuels, a renewable energy that has fewer emissions than fossil fuels, can be made from a huge range of items, including potatoes, corn, and vegetable waste. The sustainable nature of this fuel has made it an increasingly in-demand alternative to petroleum gasoline. However, many consumers are unaware of how biofuel can benefit their automobiles, so growth in the market has been restrained.

Despite this, experts still predict that the market will grow. The forecasted growth in the Global Automotive Biofuels Market report will most likely be driven by rising air pollution and fossil-fuel prices. Furthermore, government support for biofuels and their emissions regulations will also drive growth up around the world. 

Currently, Europe has the strictest governmental regulations in place in regard to emissions. Because of this, the continent also accounts for the largest share of the biofuels market. However, the Asia-Pacific regions and the Americas show the fastest growth in biofuel demand.

CARB Announces Continued Dedication to Find Illegal Diesel Filters

Accomplished leader in the energy industry Levon Termendzhyan leads Viscon USA and Viscon International as an equity owner. With his guidance, Viscon produces the Viscon product, a diesel fuel additive that boosts fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. Active in the professional community, Levon Termendzhyan has been associated with such organizations as the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Recently, CARB, an organization dedicated to protecting public welfare and health in California, announced that it’s taking a serious stand against illegal diesel soot filters. These filters trap cancer-causing soot in diesel trucks and are essential for keeping the public healthy and safe. When a truck’s soot filter is not working properly, California state law requires that truck owners change it. However, CARB regulates which filters can be installed and sold in the state, and it certifies those filters that are suitable for use in California.

State law also bans the sale of illegal and used diesel soot filters in its Aftermarket Parts and Diesel Particulate Filter Verification Regulations. Companies who violate these regulations are penalized. In the recent announcement, it was shared that LKQ Corporation would pay a $294,000 penalty for selling illegal diesel soot filters. A related case from 2017 was also mentioned. In this case, a repair shop in Fresno agreed to pay penalties for selling and installing illegal filters and sparked further investigation into several other diesel repair shops in the Central Valley.

With this new announcement, CARB reinforced the importance of both business owners and consumers taking responsibility for the installation and sale of illegal filters. Truck drivers need to ensure the filters they receive from a repair shop are authorized by CARB. Beyond following state regulations regarding diesel filters, truck owners must also install engines from 2010 or later in their entire fleet by 2023 to adhere to California’s Truck and Bus Regulation.

Where Does Particulate Matter Come From?

A long-time leader in the energy sector, Levon Termendzhyan is an equity owner in Viscon USA and Viscon International. Through these companies, Levon Termendzhyan provides a diesel fuel additive known as Viscon that reduces particulate matter emissions in diesel fuel and boosts engine efficiency.

Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mix of liquid droplets and solid particles that affect both the environment and human health. Typically, PM is divided into two categories based on size, PM10 and PM2.5. 

Particles small enough to be inhaled, with a diameter of 10 micrometers and less, are classified as PM10. These particles are usually visible with the naked eye. PM2.5 particles, which are up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are not visible to the eye. 

Both sizes of particles may be caused by natural or man-made sources. Natural causes of PM include volcanoes, dust storms, and forest fires. Living vegetation that releases isoprene, spores, methanol, and other particles into the air are also responsible for creating particulate matter, as are tornadoes and sea spray.

Man-made causes of PM include coal, wood, and oil combustion. All of these common sources of power and heat in many countries around the world cause widespread particulates. Cement dust caused by construction or demolition, dust created by cars on the road, and tobacco smoke are also responsible for particulate matter in the air.