The Carbon Dioxide Dilemma: Promising Technologies and Policies

The Kyoto Accords required a reduction in U.S. carbon dioxide to below 1990 levels. The concern over the effect that such an action might have on the U.S. economy has resulted in a search for other approaches to reduce carbon emissions. There exist engineering alternatives that can significantly reduce CO2 levels, while still allowing the U.S. and other countries, to rely on inexpensive energy sources as the cost of renewable energy decreases and their economies grow. These alternatives, from carbon sequestration to non-carbon producing energy technologies, need to be examined and made known to the public.

To illuminate opportunities and alternatives for carbon sequestration, the National Academy of Engineering held a symposium and workshop on April 23-24, 2002 on current and emerging technologies that can be applied to CO2 reduction, and even to perhaps removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The NAE invited speakers who are shaping or who have shaped these technologies and current thinking. The agenda covers the global and political context of the CO2 reduction technologies, their economics, and the way in which these can be applied to the growing energy needs of developing nations. The symposium was structured so as to allow members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and the National Research Council to address questions to the speakers. This symposium was followed by a full day breakout session in which these components could be examined in detail.

Carbon Dioxide Dilemma: Promising Technologies and Policies was published from this event and is available from the National Academies Press.

This symposium was made possible through a grant from AT&T Division of Environment, Health & Safety.