Energy Fuel Sources and their Contribution to Recent Global Air Pollution Trends

Abstract

Increased global energy use and accompanying air pollution has resulted in greater evidence of global and local climate modifications. The detrimental effects include "greenhouse" warming, sulfuric and nitric acid rains, photochemical smog produced ozone, loss of the stratospheric zone ultraviolet shield, increase airborne particulates, adverse health effects, decreased agricultural productivity, increased material corrosion, and destruction of and irreversible changes to natural ecological systems. A global understanding of the geophysical processes which result form increase world wide air pollution is essential to developing strategies for maintaining and improving air quality. Fossil and biomass fuel burning for energy use and deforestation are the primary generators of air pollutants. Air pollutant transport does not respect national boundaries. Development and production of alternative energy sources are shown to have minimal air quality impacts when compared to traditional fossil and biomass fuels. Geothermal energy and other alternative energy sources must play an increase role in displacing fossil and biomass fuels if worsening trends in deteriorating air quality are to be reversed.