Title: Fossil-fuel use and sustainable development

Authors: Bruce C. Cohen, Jean-Michel Collette

Addresses: United Nations' Economic Commission for Europe, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland. ' United Nations' Economic Commission for Europe, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract: Our present energy systems are inherently damaging because they are based on the use of fossil fuels. A continuation of the present trends in fuel use implies a continuous rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. A long transition period is needed to facilitate a shift to the use of new energy systems. A period of a century would allow for short-term increases in fossil-fuel consumption. But steps need to be taken now that will lead eventually to an absolute reduction in fossil-fuel use. Intensified international co-operation, especially in the areas of R&D and technology transfer, can be regarded as a prerequisite of the successful transition to a new pattern of development.

Keywords: carbon dioxide; CO2; carbon emissions; environmental protection; fossil fuels; global problems; global warming; greenhouse effect; sustainable development; sustainability; air pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1991.063680

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1991 Vol.3 No.3, pp.132-141

Published online: 18 Jul 2014 *

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