Introduction With a Focus on Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Climate Change
Trevor M. Letcher
Abstract
In this chapter, the focus will be on the rapid building up of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, resulting in global warming and climate change. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide, and its concentration has increase almost over 50% since preindustrial times. Much of this is due to the burning of fossil fuel to produce energy. Renewable energy in needed to significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. This is followed by a discussion on the options we have for our main energy needs: electricity generation and transport fuel. A significant fraction of our renewable energy must come from solar energy, wind and hydrothermal energy; the latter two are, in reality, secondary effects of solar energy. In spite of scientists pointing out the urgency in replacing fossil fuel, progress is slow. Finally, we look at the big question: how can we reduce the stranglehold that fossil fuels have on our economy and lives?