Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 9.3 Evolution scenario of worldwide CO
2
emissions
Figure 9.3 is based upon a scenario established at a European level,
presented in a report of the European Environment Agency, based upon
assumptions close to those presented previously [95, 96].
Carbondioxide emissions reach amaximumby 2020, and thendecrease
at a level close to half the present level by 2050.
Future outlook
The Alt scenario shows that it is possible to succeed, but it cannot be
implemented without a strong political will and wide support frompublic
opinion. Therefore the question arises whether it is realistic and what are
its real chances of success.
The main difficulty is to conclude a successful agreement on a world-
wide level for implementing an international action plan.
Public opinion will be most influenced by catastrophic events, linked
to climate change or to a sudden disruption of energy supplies. A true
understanding of the potential risksmight occur too late, whichwould not
leave enough time for anticipating any necessary action properly.
The urgency of the actions to be undertaken is clear however. The
sooner we are able to start them, the more likely we will be to avoid
catastrophic consequences resulting from inaction. It is necessary there-
fore to move forward, bearing in mind that any progress made will have
a significant impact in the future.
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