Engineering Response To Global Climate Change

Author : Robert G. Watts
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 512 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 1997-07-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 1566702348

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Engineering Response to Global Climate Change by Robert G. Watts Pdf

This book goes beyond the analysis offered by typical works on this subject to propose real solutions to problems caused by changes in the earth's climate. From new ways to cut energy consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions to discussions of the possibilities of sea walls and climate-altering technologies, Engineering Response to Global Climate Change presents new conceptual tools and suggests research necessary for correcting and alleviating problems caused by global warming. Engineers are just now being asked to consider the problems of climate change and the possible technological responses. This complete reference covers the whole range of potential impacts of climate change and their engineering solutions. Of special interest is the chapter on geoengineering, which suggests how engineers may someday be able to intervene in planetary processes to reduce the effects of global warming. Edited by a regional director of the National Institute for Global Environmental Change and offering the collective expertise of a team of expert authors, each renowned in his or her field, this book offers thorough coverage of this important topic from an engineering and technology perspective.

Author : Robert G. Watts
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 523 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2013-03-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781439888469

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Engineering Response to Climate Change, Second Edition by Robert G. Watts Pdf

A clear, concise discussion of today’s hottest topics in climate change, including adapting to climate change and geo-engineering to mitigate the effects of change, Engineering Response to Climate Change, Second Edition takes on the tough questions of what to do and offers real solutions to the practical problems caused by radical changes in the Earth’s climate. From energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions reduction, to climate-altering technologies, this new edition explores the latest concerns such as acidification of the ocean, energy efficiency, transportation, space solar power, and future and emerging possibilities. The editors set the stage by discussing the separate issues of the emissions of radiatively important atmospheric constituents, energy demand, energy supply, agriculture, water resources, coastal hazards, adaption strategies, and geo-engineering. They explain the difference between the natural and human drivers of climate change and describe how humans have influenced the global climate during past decades. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions, calculations, and possible research topics. See What’s in the Second Edition: New conceptual tools and research necessary for problems associated with fossil fuels Cutting-edge topics such as adaption and geo-engineering The latest concerns such as acidification of the ocean, energy efficiency, transportation, and space solar power Solutions to problems caused by changes in the Earth’s climate So much has changed in the 15 years since the publication of the first edition, that this is, in effect, a completely new book. However, the general theme is the same: the climate energy problem has become largely an engineering problem. With this in mind, the book explores what engineers can do to prevent, mitigate, or adapt to climate change.

Author : Mike Hulme
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 144 pages
File Size : 51,5 Mb
Release : 2014-06-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780745685267

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Can Science Fix Climate Change? by Mike Hulme Pdf

Climate change seems to be an insurmountable problem. Political solutions have so far had little impact. Some scientists are now advocating the so-called ‘Plan B’, a more direct way of reducing the rate of future warming by reflecting more sunlight back to space, creating a thermostat in the sky. In this book, Mike Hulme argues against this kind of hubristic techno-fix. Drawing upon a distinguished career studying the science, politics and ethics of climate change, he shows why using science to fix the global climate is undesirable, ungovernable and unattainable. Science and technology should instead serve the more pragmatic goals of increasing societal resilience to weather risks, improving regional air quality and driving forward an energy technology transition. Seeking to reset the planet’s thermostat is not the answer. Climate change seems to be an insurmountable problem. Political solutions have so far had little impact. Some scientists are now advocating the so-called ‘Plan B’, a more direct way of reducing the rate of future warming by reflecting more sunlight back to space, creating a thermostat in the sky. In this book, Mike Hulme argues against this kind of hubristic techno-fix. Drawing upon a distinguished career studying the science, politics and ethics of climate change, he shows why using science to fix the global climate is undesirable, ungovernable and unattainable. Science and technology should instead serve the more pragmatic goals of increasing societal resilience to weather risks, improving regional air quality and driving forward an energy technology transition. Seeking to reset the planet’s thermostat is not the answer.

Author : American Society of Civil Engineers
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Climatic changes
ISBN : 0784409978

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Engineering Strategies for Global Climate Change by American Society of Civil Engineers Pdf

Civil and environmental engineers will play a key role in responding to many of the projected impacts of global climate change, including impacts to water supply from drought, changing storm patterns and severity, and the potential for increased flooding due to sea level rise and rainfall patterns. As leaders responsible for the public's physical well-being in terms of the performance of infrastructure, civil engineers need to consider and debate these issues and prepare for the future now.The American Society of Civil Engineers has published a 73-page special issue of Leadership and Management in Engineering (July 2008) entitled Engineering Strategies for Global Climate Change. In this collection of feature articles, several writers present visions of the future for which the engineering profession needs to further respond and act.Topics include: Power Generation; Building Design; State Climate Change Action Plans; Storms, Flooding and Coastal Dikes; Droughts and the Water Supply; Land Use Implications; And, No-Regrets Technologies.

Author : U. s. Government Accountability Office,Center for Science Tec And Engineering,Center for Science, Technology and Engineering,U.s. Government
Publisher : CreateSpace
Page : 134 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2012-06-21
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 1478106204

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Climate Engineering by U. s. Government Accountability Office,Center for Science Tec And Engineering,Center for Science, Technology and Engineering,U.s. Government Pdf

GAO-11-71. Reports of rising global temperatures have raised questions about responses to climate change, including efforts to (1) reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, (2) adapt to climate change, and (3) design and develop climate engineering technologies for deliberate, large-scale intervention in Earth's climate. Reporting earlier that the nation lacks a coordinated climate-change strategy that includes climate engineering, GAO now assesses climate engineering technologies, focusing on their technical status, future directions for research on them, and potential responses. To perform this technology assessment, GAO reviewed the peer-reviewed scientific literature and government reports, consulted experts with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints, and surveyed 1,006 adults across the United States. Experts convened with the assistance of the National Academy of Sciences advised GAO, and several reviewed a draft of this report. GAO incorporated their technical and other comments in the final report as appropriate. Climate engineering technologies do not now offer a viable response to global climate change. Experts advocating research to develop and evaluate the technologies believe that research on these technologies is urgently needed or would provide an insurance policy against worst case climate scenarios--but caution that the misuse of research could bring new risks. Government reports and the literature suggest that research progress will require not only technology studies but also efforts to improve climate models and data. The technologies being proposed have been categorized as carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM). CDR would reduce the atmospheric concentration of CO2, allowing more heat to escape and thus cooling the Earth. For example, proposed CDR technologies include enhancing the uptake of CO2 in oceans and forests and capturing CO2 from air chemically for storage underground. SRM technologies would place reflective material in space or in Earth's atmosphere to scatter or reflect sunlight (for example, by injecting sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere to scatter incoming solar radiation or brightening clouds) or would increase the planet's reflectivity (for example, by painting roofs and pavements in light colors). GAO found these technologies currently immature, many with potentially negative consequences. Some studies say, for example, that stratospheric aerosols might greatly reduce summer precipitation in places such as India and northern China. Many experts advocated research because of its potential benefits but also recognized its risks. For example, a country might unilaterally deploy a technology with a transboundary effect. Research advocates emphasized the need for risk management, envisioning a federal research effort that would (1) focus internationally on transparency and cooperation, given transboundary effects; (2) enable the public and national leaders to consider issues before they become crises; and (3) anticipate opportunities and risks. A small number of those we consulted opposed research; they anticipated major technology risks or limited future climate change. Based on GAO's survey, a majority of U.S. adults are not familiar with climate engineering. When given information on the technologies, they tend to be open to research but concerned about safety.~

Author : Robert G. Watts
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 113 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2022-05-31
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9783031794179

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Global Warming and the Future of the Earth by Robert G. Watts Pdf

The globally averaged surface temperature of the Earth has increased during the past century by about 0.7°C. Most of the increase can be attributed to the greenhouse effect, the increase in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide that is emitted when fossil fuels are burned to produce energy.The book begins with the important distinction between weather and climate, followed by data showing how carbon dioxide has increased and the incontrovertible evidence that it is caused by burning fossil fuels (i.e., coal, oil, and natural gas). I also address the inevitable skepticism that global warming arouses and offer a number of responses to the global warming skeptics. After dealing with the skeptics, I analyze both the current and future effects of global warming. These future effects are based on scenarios or “storylines” put forth by the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. In closing, I address the controversial (and grim) suggestion that we have already passed the “tipping point,” which is the time after which, regardless of our future actions, global warming will cause considerable hardship on human society. I intend this book to be approachable for all concerned citizens, but especially students of the sciences and engineering who will soon be in a position to make a difference in the areas of energy and the environment. I have tried to frame the debate in terms of what the engineering community must do to help combat global warming. We have no choice but to think in terms of global environmental constraints as we design new power plants, factories, automobiles, buildings, and homes. The best thing for scientists to do is to present what we know, clearly separating what is known from what is suspected, in a non-apocalyptic manner. If matters are clearly and passionately presented to the public, we must be prepared to accept the will of the people. This presents the scientific community with an enormous responsibility, perhaps unlike any we have had in the past. Contents: Weather and Climate (and a Little History) / Are the Concentrations of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere Increasing? / The Greenhouse Effect and the Evidence of Global Warming / The Skeptics: Are Their Doubts Scientifically Valid / Impacts: The ""So What"" Question / The Bottom Line

Author : Ibrahim Dincer,Adnan Midilli,Arif Hepbasli,T. Hikmet Karakoc
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 685 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2009-12-03
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781441910172

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Global Warming by Ibrahim Dincer,Adnan Midilli,Arif Hepbasli,T. Hikmet Karakoc Pdf

Global Warming: Engineering Solutions goes beyond the discussion of what global warming is, and offers complete concrete solutions that can be used to help prevent global warming. Innovative engineering solutions are needed to reduce the effects of global warming. Discussed here are proposed engineering solutions for reducing global warming resulting from carbon dioxide pollution, poor energy and environment policies and emission pollution. Solutions discussed include but are not limited to: energy conversion technologies and their advantages, energy management and conservation, energy saving and energy security, renewable and sustainable energy technologies, emission reduction, sustainable development; pollution control and measures, policy development, global energy stability and sustainability.

Author : Robert G. Watts
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 520 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2013-03-22
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781439888476

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Engineering Response to Climate Change by Robert G. Watts Pdf

A clear, concise discussion of today's hottest topics in climate change, including adapting to climate change and geo-engineering to mitigate the effects of change, Engineering Response to Climate Change, Second Edition takes on the tough questions of what to do and offers real solutions to the practical problems caused by radical changes in the Ea

Author : David Keith
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 224 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2013-10-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780262317795

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A Case for Climate Engineering by David Keith Pdf

A leading scientist argues that we must consider deploying climate engineering technology to slow the pace of global warming. Climate engineering—which could slow the pace of global warming by injecting reflective particles into the upper atmosphere—has emerged in recent years as an extremely controversial technology. And for good reason: it carries unknown risks and it may undermine commitments to conserving energy. Some critics also view it as an immoral human breach of the natural world. The latter objection, David Keith argues in A Scientist's Case for Climate Engineering, is groundless; we have been using technology to alter our environment for years. But he agrees that there are large issues at stake. A leading scientist long concerned about climate change, Keith offers no naïve proposal for an easy fix to what is perhaps the most challenging question of our time; climate engineering is no silver bullet. But he argues that after decades during which very little progress has been made in reducing carbon emissions we must put this technology on the table and consider it responsibly. That doesn't mean we will deploy it, and it doesn't mean that we can abandon efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But we must understand fully what research needs to be done and how the technology might be designed and used. This book provides a clear and accessible overview of what the costs and risks might be, and how climate engineering might fit into a larger program for managing climate change.

Author : The Royal Society,National Academy of Sciences
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 62 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2014-02-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309302029

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Climate Change by The Royal Society,National Academy of Sciences Pdf

Climate Change: Evidence and Causes is a jointly produced publication of The US National Academy of Sciences and The Royal Society. Written by a UK-US team of leading climate scientists and reviewed by climate scientists and others, the publication is intended as a brief, readable reference document for decision makers, policy makers, educators, and other individuals seeking authoritative information on the some of the questions that continue to be asked. Climate Change makes clear what is well-established and where understanding is still developing. It echoes and builds upon the long history of climate-related work from both national academies, as well as on the newest climate-change assessment from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It touches on current areas of active debate and ongoing research, such as the link between ocean heat content and the rate of warming.

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Water Science and Technology Board,Ocean Studies Board,NAE Office of Programs,Board on Life Sciences,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Board on Earth Sciences and Resources,Board on Energy and Environmental Systems,Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources,Committee on the Grand Challenges and Opportunites in Environmental Engineering for the Twenty-First Century
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 125 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2019-03-08
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9780309476553

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Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Water Science and Technology Board,Ocean Studies Board,NAE Office of Programs,Board on Life Sciences,Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology,Board on Earth Sciences and Resources,Board on Energy and Environmental Systems,Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources,Committee on the Grand Challenges and Opportunites in Environmental Engineering for the Twenty-First Century Pdf

Environmental engineers support the well-being of people and the planet in areas where the two intersect. Over the decades the field has improved countless lives through innovative systems for delivering water, treating waste, and preventing and remediating pollution in air, water, and soil. These achievements are a testament to the multidisciplinary, pragmatic, systems-oriented approach that characterizes environmental engineering. Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges outlines the crucial role for environmental engineers in this period of dramatic growth and change. The report identifies five pressing challenges of the 21st century that environmental engineers are uniquely poised to help advance: sustainably supply food, water, and energy; curb climate change and adapt to its impacts; design a future without pollution and waste; create efficient, healthy, resilient cities; and foster informed decisions and actions.

Author : Andrew J. Hoffman
Publisher : Stanford University Press
Page : 120 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2015-03-11
Category : Business & Economics
ISBN : 9780804795050

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How Culture Shapes the Climate Change Debate by Andrew J. Hoffman Pdf

Though the scientific community largely agrees that climate change is underway, debates about this issue remain fiercely polarized. These conversations have become a rhetorical contest, one where opposing sides try to achieve victory through playing on fear, distrust, and intolerance. At its heart, this split no longer concerns carbon dioxide, greenhouse gases, or climate modeling; rather, it is the product of contrasting, deeply entrenched worldviews. This brief examines what causes people to reject or accept the scientific consensus on climate change. Synthesizing evidence from sociology, psychology, and political science, Andrew J. Hoffman lays bare the opposing cultural lenses through which science is interpreted. He then extracts lessons from major cultural shifts in the past to engender a better understanding of the problem and motivate the public to take action. How Culture Shapes the Climate Change Debate makes a powerful case for a more scientifically literate public, a more socially engaged scientific community, and a more thoughtful mode of public discourse.

Author : Stephen M. Gardiner,Catriona McKinnon,Augustin Fragnière
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 499 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2020-09-10
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781000164237

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The Ethics of “Geoengineering” the Global Climate by Stephen M. Gardiner,Catriona McKinnon,Augustin Fragnière Pdf

In the face of limited time and escalating impacts, some scientists and politicians are talking about attempting "grand technological interventions" into the Earth’s basic physical and biological systems ("geoengineering") to combat global warming. Early ideas include spraying particles into the stratosphere to block some incoming sunlight, or "enhancing" natural biological systems to withdraw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a higher rate. Such technologies are highly speculative and scientific development of them has barely begun. Nevertheless, it is widely recognized that geoengineering raises critical questions about who will control planetary interventions, and what responsibilities they will have. Central to these questions are issues of justice and political legitimacy. For instance, while some claim that climate risks are so severe that geoengineering must be attempted, others insist that the current global order is so unjust that interventions are highly likely to be illegitimate and exacerbate injustice. Such concerns are rarely discussed in the policy arena in any depth, or with academic rigor. Hence, this book gathers contributions from leading voices and rising stars in political philosophy to respond. It is essential reading for anyone puzzled about how geoengineering might promote or thwart the ends of justice in a dramatically changing world. The chapters in this book were originally published in the journals: Ethics, Policy & the Environment and Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Climatic changes
ISBN : OCLC:988784107

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Engineering a Safer Global Climate by Anonim Pdf

Author : Wil Burns,David Dana,Simon James Nicholson
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 261 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2021-11-05
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9783030723729

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Climate Geoengineering: Science, Law and Governance by Wil Burns,David Dana,Simon James Nicholson Pdf

The sobering reality of the disconnect between the resolve of the world community to effectively address climate change, and what actually needs to be done, has led to increasing impetus for consideration of a suite of approaches collectively known as “climate geoengineering,” or “climate engineering.” Indeed, the feckless response of the world community to climate change has transformed climate geoengineering from a fringe concept to a potentially mainstream policy option within the past decade. This volume will explore scientific, political and legal issues associated with the emerging field of climate geoengineering. The volume encompasses perspectives on both of the major categories of climate geoengineering approaches, carbon dioxide removal and solar radiation management.