Abstract |
The paper summarizes some of the recent literature relating to the longer-term technological considerations affecting the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide (CO2), the dominant variable in the anthropogenic influence of future global climate change. It also discusses some of the technological considerations for known prevention and mitigation approaches in the context of this longer-term problem. These approaches include: renewables (solar photovoltaics, wind, and biomass), conservation, flue gas and fuel CO2 sequestration via disposal on land or in the ocean, carbon recycling (chemical/biological utilization), and atmospheric CO2 fixation/utilization via terrestrial and marine approaches. These are discussed along with other strategies to identify those that: (1) could be major factors in preventing long-term CO2 buildup, (2) would be environmentally sound but likely to have more limited long-range CO2 impact, (3) would be environmentally uncertain or uncertain for other reasons, and (4) would be environmentally questionable or unlikely solutions for other reasons. Most recent analyses of the problem focus on the next 20 to 100 years. |