Global Energy and C02 to the Year 2050

Abstract

One of the important by-products of the combustion of fossil fuels is carbon dioxide (C02), a nontoxic, colorless gas with a faintly pungent odor and acid taste. Carbon dioxide is not commonly thought of as a pollutant. Rather, COs plays an important role in the determination of the global climate. The presence of C02 in the atmosphere produces a "greenhouse effect," allowing incoming sunlight to penetrate but trapping heat radiated back from earth. Man's ability to significantly affect COs levels through use of fossil fuel gives rise to the possibility of climate change at unprecedented rates.