Atmospheric carbon dioxide : Possible consequences of future fossil fuel use

Abstract Accurate and regular measurements of the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere during the past 20 years show an accelerating increase. Although clearing of tropical forests has released large amounts of carbon to the atmosphere, evidence is strong that a major contributor is the combustion of fossil fuels. Future energy demands of the world will require extensive further exploitation of fossil fuels, and projections show that without major development of nonfossil fuel alternatives, the atmospheric concentration will double within the next 75 years. Four issues require serious attention: The developing countries will require vastly increased amounts of energy. Major efforts to develop suitable (inexpensive) non-fossil energy sources to meet at least a portion of this demand are required. The distribution of carbon released from fossil fuels and from other anthropogenic sources among the reservoirs of the carbon cycle must be better defined. Uncertainties regarding the effect of the increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere on global climate must be reduced. Possible political and social responses to a substantial climate change must be studied in order to more fully understand all of the implication of increased atmospheric CO2.

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