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Carbon dioxide, climate, and society

Journal Article · · Options (IIASA); (United States)

Questions raised at a recent workshop on the effects of carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels reflect concerns for its impact on climate and society as atmospheric concentrations of CO/sub 2/ increase. Three groups were formed to apply systems analysis to these problems. The first group, studying the mechanics and prediction of CO/sub 2/ concentration levels, concluded that 20 to 30-year forecasts are possible with present models and that a significant new source of CO/sub 2/ is caused by tropical deforestation projects. The second group examined the use of models to study the effects on climate and environment. Their conclusions call for shifting patterns of rainfall and an overall increase in rainfall. The implications of these conclusions were examined by the third group, which recommended a 5 to 10-year research and planning program and outlined five policy statements on the use of fossil fuels. Their recommendations emphasize the assessment of energy strategies on the basis of their environmental and socio-economic impacts.

OSTI ID:
6701931
Journal Information:
Options (IIASA); (United States), Journal Name: Options (IIASA); (United States); ISSN OPTID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English