Carbon dioxide and the environment: a problem of uncertainty
The combustion of fossil fuels increases atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide. This may cause a long-term warming of the atmosphere. Solutions to the carbon dioxide problem are particularly difficult because adverse effects will be felt by future generations, but remedial action and sacrifices must be made by present generations. Decisions regarding the problem which affect both the immediate and long-range future must be made deliberately or by default in perhaps only 15-20 years, before we are reasonably confident with our knowledge of the problem and before we know whether it will, in fact, occur. Much of the uncertainty involves projections of future energy use, and scientific knowledge of the carbon cycle and the environment. 54 references.
- Research Organization:
- Sweet Briar College, VA
- OSTI ID:
- 5857376
- Journal Information:
- J. Environ. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 28:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON DIOXIDE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
AIR POLLUTION
CARBON CYCLE
CLIMATES
DECISION MAKING
ENERGY DEMAND
FORECASTING
FOSSIL FUELS
GLOBAL ASPECTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
VARIATIONS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
DEMAND
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
290300* - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety
294000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Fossil Fuels
500200 - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)