The Potential Impact of Conservation and Alternative Energy Sources on Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Abstract

In this report, we examine two global energy consumption scenarios to determine how each will contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. A steady emissions trend scenario assumes only modest energy conservation and little change in the world's energy consumption patterns. A reduced emissions trend scenario assumes significant conservation and switching from a more carbon intensive energy source mix to a less intensive mix. Based on the different between the two scenarios results, we conclude that it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 50% by 2050 using a combination of conservation and efficiently improvements and increase use of nuclear, geothermal, and solar/renewable energy sources.