Hard facts on atmospheric CO 2 concentration, and a sure way to stabilise it??? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Global CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels & the manufacture of cement (Unit: 10 9 kg) Source: 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Global CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels & the manufacture of cement (Unit: 10 9 kg) Source: 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

CO2 concentration in the atmosphere (Unit: ppmv) Source: 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini 383.7

11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Global temperature (land meteorological stations)

11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Global temperature (land + ocean)

11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Global temperature (North and South)

Global temperature has not varied by more than 1 or 2 o C during the past 10,000 years. Global temperature has risen by more than 0.6 o C during the last 100 years. Global Warming has begun, and so has the Climate Change. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Consequences………… 75% of the ice on Kilimanjaro has been lost since 1912, and all ice could vanish soon. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Consequences………… 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Consequences………… death of coral reefs fewer cubs for p olar bears spread of dengue and other diseases heavy rains & severe draughts fires, floods, storms, & hurricanes changed rainfall patterns warming and aridity loss of biodiversity 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Rate of increase of CO2 concentration (Unit: ppmv/year) Source: 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

CO2 concentration in the future (ppmv) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini global temperature may be up by 2 o C

-Accelerated Climate Change -Mass extinctions -Ecosystems breakdowns -Large scale discontinuities At the rate of 1.5 ppmv of CO 2 increase per year, 400 ppmv CO 2 will be reached in 2018, and it is probable that the global temperature would go up by 2 o C (compare it with the 0.01 o C per decade estimate by WWF). 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Some say, forget about the 2 o C. The limit is not 400 ppmv CO 2. It is 550 ppmv CO 2 (which is nearly twice the pre-industrial value), which we may reach not. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

CO2 concentration in the future (ppmv) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini We are lucky. Are we?

How to stop further global warming, climate change, and the terrible consequences of increased CO 2 concentrations in the atmosphere? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

But, we replace our forests with cities, highways & golf courses. Option 1: Increase the use of carbon sinks (such as forests where 70% of all photosynthesis occurs). Stop destroying forests, and grow more trees. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

The forest cover is already too small to help reducing global warming. How long does it take to grow a tree like this? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Option 2: Change to non-CO2 emitting energy sources 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini What are they? Nuclear Hydro Renewables (Geothermal, Solar, Wave, Tidal, Wind, Biomass and Biogas) Muscle Power

Energy from sustainably managed renewable sources Ulf Bossel – October 2005 Solar energyPhotovoltaicDC electricity thermalAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. Wind energyAC electricity HydropowerAC electricity Ocean energywaves, tidesAC electricity GeothermalheatAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. Biomass & organic waste heat, organic fuels Biomass & organic waste heatAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in BTU) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini enlarge

11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %)

There is no immediate financial benefits for a switch to renewable energy in the profit- oriented energy markets. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

More people More pollution Option 3: Reduce Population 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

If you are in USA, you will be lighting 15 bulbs, each with 100 W power If you are in China, you will be lighting 2 bulbs, each with 100 W power 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini in 2004

11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini in 2003

Should not we rethink about economic growth (increasing GDP per capita), at any cost? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

The supreme Greek God Zeus told Prometheus: “You may give men such gifts as are suitable, but you must not give them fire for that belongs to the Immortals.” – Roger Lancelyn Green Tales of the Greek Heroes Puffin Classics 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini

Option 4 to stabilise atmospheric CO 2 concentration? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Think about it and come up with ideas. By the way, it would make a very good project for the sustainable development course.