The potential impact of conservation and alternative energy sources on carbon dioxide emissions

Conference · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6990722

Edenburn, M W; Aronson, E A

In this report, we examine two global energy consumption 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 conservation and little change in the world's energy consumption patterns. A reduced emissions trend scenario assumes significant conservation and switching from a more carbon-intensive energy source mix to a less intensive mix. Based on the difference between the two scenarios' results, we conclude that it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50{percent} by 2050 using a combination of conservation and efficiency improvements and increased use of nuclear, geothermal, and solar/renewable energy sources. 9 refs., 11 figs., 7 tabs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/CE
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6990722
• Report Number(s): SAND-89-1380C; CONF-900823--2; ON: DE90008346
• 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
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CLIMATES
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FORECASTING
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS