Posted by admin | Posted in Green Energy | Posted on 13-06-2009
Tags: blog, energy, environment, green, technology
Are emissions reductions a bit like a band-aid on a bullet wound?
If CO2 is the main driver of climate change should the focus of current research be focused on simply reducing emissions by developing alternative energy?
I haven’t seen much in the news about new sequestration technologies and can’t help but think that taking potentially drastic measures to reduce emissions is a bit of a tame if the problem is dire as often stated.
So in your opinion what is more important, emissions reductions or sequestration?
I know doing both is the most logical, but which is more important?
Dana – that’s an interesting idea about carbon sequestering trees. And I agree that both are probably needed
K – thanks for the answer it was algal blooms that inspired this question
JimZ – You have stated a fundamental thought that I agree with, that natural systems are more robust than they are really given credit for.
Andy – thanks for your answer, I agree with you especially regarding fusion power
I think you are right about the band-aide on a bullet wound. Because life on this planet is carbon-based and most of our energy comes for the breaking of carbon bonds, we will never reach zero CO2 emissions We will always have some emissions, but I agree with you we need to focus on energy sources that don’t emit CO2.That does not mean forget about conservation and trying to live a lifestyle that emits less CO2 though. Be personally responsible.
I don’t think the technology is going to be readily available to sequester enough CO2 to offset all human emissions for a very long time if ever. I think first we have to worry with reductions (through new technology, conservation, and through just lifestyle changes), but we also really need to enhance the functioning of natural sinks before focusing on new sequestration technology. New sequestration technologies may work, but it will never be able to sequester as much as the ocean and land-based plant life. You have to remember, these systems have evolved to handle the CO2 and actually depend on it. They will sequester more as CO2 increases, but we have to be more careful in our care of these systems.
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