Can the carbon dioxide problem be resolved
The combustion of fossil fuels increases atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/). This may cause a long-term warming of the atmosphere. Solutions to the CO/sub 2/ problem are particularly difficult because adverse effects will be felt by future generations, but remedial action and sacrifices must be made by present generations. Decisions regarding the problem which affect both the immediate and long-range future must be made deliberately or by default in perhaps only 15 to 20 years, before we are reasonably confident of our knowledge of the problem and before we know whether atmospheric warming will, in fact, occur. Empirical and evaluative data do not seem compelling to decision makers. First, remedial actions require present generations to conserve fossil fuels for the benefit of posterity, and there is no consensus that an ethical obligation to posterity exists. Second, actions must be based upon uncertain projections of future energy use and uncertain scientific knowledge of the carbon cycle and the environment. Third, economic and social factors may preclude resolution of the problem. Fourth, speculation from moral psychology suggests that mankind may be psychologically incapable of caring enough for posterity to make serious sacrifices. Therefore, public policy regarding sacrifice by present generations for the benefit of posterity is not likely to be forthcoming from policy makers or suported by the public. 120 references.
- Research Organization:
- Deep Springs Coll., CA
- OSTI ID:
- 6945460
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Prof.; (United States), Vol. 6:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Nuclear education campaign: on how to eliminate the threat of nuclear war
Geologic carbon sequestration as a global strategy to mitigate CO2 emissions: Sustainability and environmental risk
Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ETHICS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
CARBON CYCLE
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
FOSSIL FUELS
CARBON DIOXIDE
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
PUBLIC POLICY
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CONTROL
ENERGY SOURCES
FUELS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
530000 - Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies- (-1989)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety