Carbon Dioxide, Climate and Society

Carbon Dioxide, Climate and Society contains the proceedings of a workshop organized by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis on February 21- 24, 1978. The papers explore the potential consequences of carbon dioxide for climate and society and considers the biogeochemical carbon cycle as a background for predicting future atmospheric concentrations of CO2. The state of knowledge regarding the impacts of increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations on climate and environment is also discussed, along with the implications of such knowledge (and lack thereof) for decision-making on energy strategies. This book consists of 36 chapters and opens with an overview of energy systems and CO2 as well as the global carbon cycle. The reader is then introduced to the dynamics of the carbon cycle based on the findings of isotope studies; biotic interactions with atmospheric CO2; cryospheric responses to global temperature increase; and the effects of doubling the CO2 concentration on radiative-convective equilibrium. The following chapters focus on the influence of the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere on climate; CO2 disposal in the ocean; the link between climate and economic development; and how energy strategies are affected by the CO2 question. This monograph will be a valuable resource of information for climatologists and energy policymakers.