Carbon dioxide and the 'greenhouse effect' - an unresolved problem

Technical Report ·

OSTI ID:5552261

Smith, I

This executive review evaluates current scientific literature concerned with the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The extent and possible causes of natural variations in global climate are outlined as a background to potential variations due to human activity. Estimates are given on relative contributions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and other land modifications. The possibility of a rise in global temperature as a result of increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is discussed including model predictions, natural factors which could compensate for or emphasize a warming effect, and the implications if extensive warming actually occurred. Carbon dioxide disposal is discussed, but there appears to be no practicable long-term means of accomplishing this. Comprehensive, interdisciplinary investigations involving international cooperation are strongly recommended, in order to reduce uncertainties and give a firmer basis for any change in energy policies.

• Research Organization: International Energy Agency Coal Research, London (UK)
• OSTI ID: 5552261
• Report Number(s): PB-82-118472
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CLIMATES
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
LAND RECLAMATION
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
REVIEWS