Title: Facing reality: towards the rational analysis of global warming and its policy implications

Authors: J.A. Laurmann

Addresses: University of California, 3372 Martin Road, Carmel CA 93923, USA

Abstract: This paper provides an historically based review of the development of the carbon dioxide/greenhouse gas problem, leading to an assessment of currently available policy responses as constrained by the present political environment and by global economic realities. Possible strategies depend on whether a biocentrist, future-oriented, risk-averse global consensus can be established, or whether a historically more realistic world view pertains - one in which short-term self-interest is seen as controlling events. For the latter case, which represents the author|s perception of the likely future, recommendations for research and development priorities and for responding to the threat are given.

Keywords: energy futures; fossil fuel era; global commons; global warming; international norms; late response strategies; policy analysis; sustainable development; sustainability; carbon dioxide; greenhouse gases; GHG emissions; carbon emissions; CO2; short-term self-interest; research and development; R&D priorities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1993.063635

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1993 Vol.5 No.2/3/4, pp.90-113

Published online: 17 Jul 2014 *

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