effects for a few decades. The increasing levels of chlorofluoromethanes (FC) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the stratosphere may deplete the ozone layer, which could result in either surface warming or cooling depending on the vertical distribution of ozone (O3). A number of industrial gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can act as greenhouse gases by absorbing terrestrial radiation in the troposphere. The magnitude of their effect is uncertain, although some investigators believe that the collective effect of these gases may be comparable in magnitude to the effect of CO2. Conclusions The CO2 warming effect has the greatest potential for altering global climate over the next few centuries, and this greenhouse effect may be augmented somewhat by other industrial gases. The impact on climate of particulate emissions should be minimal, particularly if they are controlled to meet health standards. Compared to the CO2 effect, wanning due to waste heat should not be an issue of global proportions. Local and regional ’’hotspots" of heat release may produce some local or regional modifications in climate.* As indicated in Table 3.4 (p. 48), coal appears to be the technology most likely to have an impact on global climate because of large CO2 emissions. SPS launchings may affect global climate somewhat by altering the stratosphere, but significant changes are currently not predicted. All of the technologies appear capable of causing some local or regional climatic perturbations from heat release; however, such impacts will be principally site specific. The impacts of energy on climate, particularly from CO2 emissions, could be substantial in the next century or two. Unfortunately, knowledge of climate change and response to anthropogenic (man-induced) influences is still limited. Much important information regarding sources (e.g., combustion of fossil fuels, decomposition of biomass) and sinks (e.g., oceans, vegetation) of CO2, atmospheric feedback mechanisms, and natural climatic fluctuations must be gathered. Thus, although the possibility of energy-related climatic effects should be considered in the formulation of long-term energy policy, global climatic change per se cannot at this time be used as a decision criterion. *Weinberg, W.M., and R.P. Hammond, Limits to the Use of Energy, In: Is There an Optimum Level of Population?, S.F. Singer, ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 42-56 (1971).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==