The potential impact of conservation, alternative energy sources, and reduced nonenergy emissions on global warming

Technical Report · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5198094· OSTI ID:5198094

Aronson, E. A.; Edenburn, M. W.

In this report, we examine two global energy consumption scenarios and corresponding nonenergy scenarios to determine how each will contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. A steady emissions trend scenario assumes only modest energy conservation and little change in the world's energy consumption patterns and nonenergy emissions. A reduced emissions trend scenario assumes significant conservation, switching from a more carbon-intensive energy source mix to a less intensive mix, and reducing nonenergy emissions. Based on the difference between the two scenarios' results, our conclusions are that it is possible to reduce global warming by over 50% using a combination of conservation and efficiency improvements, increased use of nuclear, geothermal, and solar/renewable energy sources, and reduced nonenergy emissions. 34 refs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/CE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5198094
• Report Number(s): SAND-89-1380; ON: DE90004494
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
291000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Conservation
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540110*
CLIMATE MODELS
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS