Global Warming

Energy demand is projected to grow at least 50 per cent by 2030.  Energy generated by biomass and waste is estimated to supply 10 per cent of global demand by 2030.  This assumes that fossil fuels will be available to cover most of the demand increase.  Unfortunately, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are projected to increase faster than energy use by 2030.

      Energy use has impacts at all levels.  Pollution from burning fossil fuels and the related impact of acid rain constitute serious problems for Asia, North American and European forests, lakes and soils.  Stringent emission controls may reverse acidification trends.  Thermal and nuclear power and solar cells generate waste disposal problems that may result in heavy metal soil contamination.  Desertification in North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa is caused partly by biomass fuel demand.  Natural resources are overtaxed by increasing energy usage and invasive alien species are entering many regions through global trade due to relatively available transportation fuels.

     I have been disappointed in the old environmental groups which have lost their direction.  They are so large they cannot focus on the environment.  You can read about the environmental problems at http://www.onebiosphere.com

      However, climate change remains by far the most deleterious impact of increasing energy usage.  Species ranges and behaviors are shifting and impacting human well-being, including spreading human disease and invasion by alien species.  Rare and threatened species will be affected seriously, including migratory species, polar species, genetically weak species, marginal populations and specialized species, especially those in alpine areas and islands.  Amphibian species extinctions are linked with climate change.  Recently, scientists have estimated that 1/4 to 1/3 of endemic species in various regions may become extinct by 2050 due to climate change.

      Climate change is impacting ecosystems.  By 2000, 1/4 of the globe's coral reefs were degraded by increased water temperatures.  Ecosystems in California, the Mediterranean, Chile, South Africa and Western Australia will be heavily impacted by climate change.