Global warming and the most effective strategies to overcome it are topics of heated debate for scientists, environmentalists, and politicians. Many of these debates include predictions of human suffering and complete global destruction. What they don't usually include are the facts about our changing, and in many cases, improving environment. The promise of new technologies to help reduce fossil fuel emissions over time also seems to be left out of the discussion. Some believe that the only way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions is to walk to work and read by candlelight. In fact, the environment is improving in some areas, and in other areas new technologies can help.
John Tierney's op-ed in the Sunday, April 23 New York Times addresses these issues and their timeliness due to the recent celebration of Earth Day. Tierney begins by pointing out that contrary to popular opinion, America's air contains fewer pollutants now than it has in recent decades, and the area covered by forests has remained stable since1920. Students in the high school environmental studies course he surveyed incorrectly believed that air quality and natural forests were in sharp decline. If these misconceptions are being taught in an environmental studies course, it is no wonder that according to a recent Gallup poll 67% of Americans believe the quality of our country's environment is getting worse.
Tierney also argurs that the "most practical way to combat global warming is not through asceticism but through technology." The Energy Information Administration's "Annual Energy Outlook 2006" strikes a similar chord, with its prediction that the use of technology will significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the future.
If Americans are "addicted" to technology, why not use it to our advantage, or at least to the advantage of our environment?
The idea of using technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is not a new one. However, according to researchers at RAND, a nonprofit research and analysis institute, these new technologies are showing more and more promise. The researchers outline three major gains to be had from the development of new technologies: 1. developing countries can "grow clean" (in other words, they won't have to decide between economic development and environmental protection if they start using improved technology as soon as possible); 2. new technologies can help lower the costs of reducing greenhouse emissions for developed countries; 3. if major problems occur globally due to climate change, we will be better suited to drastically reduce fuel emissions with the help of new technologies.
What exactly are these new technologies? Most are alternative fuel methods including natural gas turbines, fuel cells, solar power, and wind power. Nuclear energy is another source to consider. Tierney mentions America's offer to India to help them build nuclear power plants, and how these plants alone could do as much to reduce fuel emissions as the entire Kyoto Protocol. As nuclear energy is a relatively safe and clean form of energy, deals like this could be beneficial to other developing countries as well.
In addition to alternative energy sources, coal gasification coupled with carbon sequestration technology (capturing and storing carbon dioxide so it doesn't enter the atmosphere) could dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions. No-till farming has also been in the news recently as a technology that could reduce the effects of global warming. In no-till farming, the soil is left intact and crop residues are left in the fields. This helps minimize carbon loss into the atmosphere. The lead author of a study of the technique, Atul Jain, says "Converting from conventional plow tillage to no-till practice is among the most cost-effective ways to reduce the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere."
When confronted with apocalyptic predictions in the past, American innovation has risen to the challenge. These new technologies will take time to develop and perfect, but the outcome will be worth the time and investment for all countries, and for the future of our planet as well.
Molly Lee is an Earhart Foundation Research Intern at the American Council on Science and Health (ACSH.org, HealthFactsAndFears.com).
