1999/12/31 by Dave Reichle, J. T. Houghton, Bob Kane +2 · 3 citations
Environmental Science · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics #Climate Change Policy and Economics #Science and Climate Studies
paper · doi:10.2172/810722
openalex publication_date 1999/12/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/24
Predictions of global energy use in the next century suggest a continued increase in carbon emissions and rising concentrations of carbon dioxide (COsub 2) in the atmosphere unless major changes are made in the way we produce and use energy--in particular, how we manage carbon. For example, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts in its 1995 ''business as usual'' energy scenario that future global emissions of COsub 2 to the atmosphere will increase from 7.4 billion tonnes of carbon (GtC) per year in 1997 to approximately 26 GtC/year by 2100. IPCC also projects a doubling of atmospheric COsub 2 concentration by the middle of next century and growing rates of increase beyond. Although the effects of increased COsub 2 levels on global climate are uncertain, many scientists agree that a doubling of atmospheric COsub 2 concentrations could have a variety of serious environmental consequences. The goal of this report is to identify key areas for research and development (R&D) that could lead to an understanding of the potential for future use of carbon sequestration as a major tool for managing carbon emissions. Under the leadership of DOE, researchers from universities, industry, other government agencies, and DOE national laboratories were brought together to develop the technical basis for conceiving a science and technology road map. That effort has resulted in this report, which develops much of the information needed for the road map.