Uncertainties associated with future atmospheric CO/sub 2/ levels

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/7282468· OSTI ID:7282468

Rotty, R M

The need for inexhaustible energy supply systems is clearly demonstrated by the problems associated with the use of fossil fuels. Atmospheric carbon dioxide increases can lead to significant climate changes, but evaluating the changes that might result from fossil fuel use in the future is fraught with uncertainties. This paper discusses and weighs the relative importance of answering the following questions: what activities of man contribute to atmospheric carbon dioxide and what portion of this is attributable to fossil fuel combustion; where else can the carbon dioxide go; what climate changes result from atmoshperic carbon dioxide changes; what are the future global energy needs and what fraction must be supplied by fossil fuel; and what is the confidence in our answers to the above questions.

• Research Organization: Institute for Energy Analysis, Oak Ridge, Tenn. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-05-0033
• OSTI ID: 7282468
• Report Number(s): ORAU/IEA(O)-77-16
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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