AUTHOR: Irene M. Smith and Kelly V. Thamibimuthu
DATE: June 1991
PAGES: 39
ABSTRACT:
This report examines the basis of quantitative evaluations being commissioned by policy makers in attempting to answer these questions and assesses the state-of-the-art of abatement and control technologies for carbon dioxide emissions.
Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas overall and the most important from coal utilisation. The increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere resulting from coal use accounts for 16-21% of that part of the greenhouse effect due to human activities. Allowing for the longer term effects of emissions over a hundred years increases the relative contribution of coal to 17-23%. A small contribution from other gases emitted by coal use cannot be quantified at present.
The report concludes that there is no firm basis for evaluating the effect of reducing emissions on their global warming potential. However, abatement technologies aimed at improving conversion efficiency or reducing energy consumption will reduce emissions whilst having their own commercial justification in a "no regrets" policy. By contrast, control technologies usually add to costs and to energy consumption. Control measures such as reafforestation, storage and recycling may also be included in a "no regrets" policy.