Global energy system to maintain atmospheric CO2 concentration at 550 ppm (original) (raw)

Abstract

Technical measures for reducing CO2 emissions are assessed with a global energy model on the basis of the SRES baseline scenarios. The model study suggests some insights regarding the question as to what combination of measures would be the cost-minimal technological responses to the global warming issue. While considerable uncertainties remain about the various assumptions made for the model analyses, the following items are identified. (1) Our energy system would still be dependent on fossil fuels over the next century, even with the regulation of CO2 concentration. (2) A cautious assessment of the results would conclude that the CO2 problem cannot be easily settled by any single technological option considered here. However, the energy model indicates that if all types of technological options are reasonably integrated with one another, a significant CO2 emission reduction potential exists to limit atmospheric CO2 concentration to 550ppm by the end of the 21st century. (3) The optimal CO2 emission trajectory to stabilize atmospheric CO2 concentration indicates that relatively modest abatement actions are expected, especially in the near future, allowing global CO2 emissions to continue to rise until around the middle of the 21st century. This is not to say that nothing needs to be done for the time being to reduce CO2 emissions. Rather, we must prepare for the future by investing sufficiently in the development of future energy technologies.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

• Starting from 10 chapters or articles per month
• Access and download chapters and articles from more than 300k books and 2,500 journals
• Cancel anytime View plans

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

• Fujii Y, Yamaji K (1998) Assessment of technological options in the global energy system for limiting the atmospheric CO2 concentration. Environmental Economics and Policy Studies 1:113–139
  Article Google Scholar
• IPCC (2000) Special report on emission scenarios, Cambridge, London (to be published)
  Google Scholar
• OECD/NEA (1998) Projected cost of electricity generation—Update 1998. OECD
• Rogner H-H (1997) An assessment of world hydrocarbon resources. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment 22:217–262
  Article Google Scholar
• Yamaji K, Fujii Y (1995) Global Energy Strategy (in Japanese). (Gurobaru Enerugi Senryaku), Denryoku Shinpo-Sha (in Japanese)

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Advanced Energy, School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
   Kenji Yamaji
2. Department of Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
   Junichi Fujino
3. JKL Co., Ltd., 1-6-6 Sarugaku-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0064, Japan
   Koichi Osada

Authors

1. Kenji Yamaji
2. Junichi Fujino
3. Koichi Osada

Corresponding author

Correspondence toKenji Yamaji.

About this article

Cite this article

Yamaji, K., Fujino, J. & Osada, K. Global energy system to maintain atmospheric CO2 concentration at 550 ppm.Environ Econ Policy Stud 3, 159–171 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03354035

Download citation

• Received: 24 December 1999
• Accepted: 31 March 2000
• Published: 01 June 2000
• Issue date: June 2000
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03354035

Key words