The Science of Greenhouse Gases: Uncertainties in Sources and Sinks, and Implications for Verification

Harro A.J. Meijer
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Harro A.J. Meijer: Centrum voor IsotopenOnderzoek, Groningen University, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands

Energy & Environment, 2001, vol. 12, issue 5-6, 425-445

Abstract: Our present knowledge about the carbon cycle, governing the sources and sinks of the most important anthropogenically influenced greenhouse gas CO 2 is still far from satisfactory in the quantitative sense. This statement holds on all scales, from global to local. Therefore, long-term atmospheric measurements, on many locations, are absolutely needed, both to improve our quantitative knowledge of the carbon cycle, and to create a firm verification basis for mitigation measures. Yet, it is an illusion to think that source/sink characterisation by these atmospheric measurements will get to the detail that Kyoto Protocol actions can be surveyed and verified on a national level in the coming years (if ever !). Therefore, a combination of validation (on project basis) and verification (on a continental scale) is proposed. Mitigation measures through mere sink enhancement (afforestation) are at best a temporary solution. Therefore, not much (political) effort should be invested into this option.

Date: 2001
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:engenv:v:12:y:2001:i:5-6:p:425-445

DOI: 10.1260/0958305011501002

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