by Playfuls Staff |
1st November 2006
A U.S. study suggests greenhouse gas pollution from service industries such as banking and telecommunications may equal [more] that of manufacturing industries.
The University of Minnesota study, led by assistant professor Sangwon Suh, analyzed greenhouse gas emissions produced by approximately 500 U.S. product and service groups.
Suh found service industries produce less than 5 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions emitted in the United States. However, the service industries are heavy consumers of electricity, natural gas, transportation, and manufactured goods -- all of which involve greenhouse gas emissions.
The study determined consumption of services is responsible for more than one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, even when eliminating utilities and transportation services.
The research is detailed in the November issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
© 2006 UPI
