Our Threatened Climate: Ways of Averting the CO2 Problem Through Rational Energy Use / Edition 1

by W. Bach, Jill Jïger

Overview

In this book the author has succeeded in presenting the many facets of the globel problems and hazards for our climate and thei r i nterdi scip l inary aspects, as we II as maki ng these under­ standable for the non-specialist. In doing this, the author has not restricted himself to an analysis of the difficult problems but has indicated the necessity and the possibilities for ratio­ na l so lutions. The book, therefore, can be a va lueb le deci si on­ aid for all those who directly or indirectly are in positions of responsibi lity at various levels of administration or in industry end busi ness. We ll-timed precauti onary measures agai nst a g loba l deteri o­ ration of cLimate are not only necessary for reasons of environ­ mental protection. They are also an economical end political necessity. The measures include the reduction of the combustion of fossi l fue ls, a more rati one l energy uti l ization, as we II as the establishment of a global equilibrium between forest loss and reforestati on. The Federal German Government takes these potential anthro­ pogenic climate changes very seriously. In order to obtein better scientific information, the Federal Government has ini­ ti ated an i nterdi sci p l i nary nati one l Climate Programme. At the same time, the Federal Republic of Germany supports the relevant activities within the frame of international cooperation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789027716804
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	11/30/1983
Edition description:	1983
Pages:	369
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.- I. Introduction.- II. Climate and Climatic Change.- 1. History of the Earth’s Climate.- 2. Climate System.- 3. Climate Models and Prediction.- 4. Climate Research Programme.- III. Sociopolitical Aspects of the CO2/Climate Problem.- 1. Population Growth.- 2. Settlement Patterns.- 3. Economic Development.- 4. Availability of Fossil Fuels.- 5. Future Energy Use.- 6. Degradation of Forest and Soil.- IV. Influence of Society on Climate.- 1. Climatic Effects of CO2.- 2. Climatic Effects of other Anthropogenic Trace Gases.- 3. Climatic Effects of Aerosols.- 4. Climatic Effects of Land Use Changes.- 5. Climatic Effects of Waste Heat.- 6. Assessment of Overall Effects - Critical Threshold Values —Prospects.- V. Impacts of Climate Change on Society.- 1. Climate Impact Programmes.- 2. Ecosystems.- 3. Energy Use.- 4. Food Security.- 5. Water Resources.- 6. Fisheries.- 7. Population and Settlement.- 8. Health, Disease and Welfare.- 9. Recreation.- VI. Strategies for Averting a CO2/Climate Problem.- 1. The Scope of Alternatives and Concepts for Action.- 2. Technical Fixes.- 3. Biological Methods.- 4. Energy Saving Through Better Energy Use.- 5. Introduction of Renewable Energy Resources.- 6. Effects of Various Energy Strategies.- 7. Flanking Measures.- 8. Decision Aids.- VII. Opportunities for the Future.- 1. The Old Credence in Progress — The New Credibility.- 2. Man: Shaping his Own Future?.- 3. Prospects: Extrapolating Old Trends.- 4. Prospects: Shifting Emphases.- 5. Ways out of the CO2/Climate Threat.- Further Reading.- Appendices.- Author Index.