WA2: Summary on views of climate change

With increasing concern over global warming, countries are trying to source for ways and invent new technologies to tackle the amount of greenhouse gases being release into the atmosphere.

The article on “CO2 Solution Commends Canada-U.S. Agreement on Carbon Capture Collaboration” shows how support from various countries can contribute to the development of carbon capture and other clean energy technologies.

As highlighted in the article, collaboration, commitment and funding support from countries like Canada and USA are some key factors that could enhance the development of carbon capture and other clean energy technologies to capture greenhouse gases before they're emitted into the atmosphere, and to maintain the standard of living.

Drawn from the article, Glenn Kelly, President & CEO of CO2 solutions stated "We applaud both governments for their commitment to formal talks to jointly advance carbon capture technologies as a solution to address greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously enhancing the energy security position of both countries. As a technology provider, we look forward to supporting this dialogue in any way possible."

Article obtained from: http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/090223/e_co2solu_carboncaptu.html?.v=1

While the above article highlights the importance of joint effort from various countries to identify solutions to address greenhouse gas emissions, the following article “Capitol power plant dims clean energy hopes” touches on how a congress struggles to tackle the problem of greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon dioxide is one of the most prevalent greenhouse gases that contributes to climate change and coal that produces carbon dioxide when burned accounts for half of U.S. electricity production.

As mentioned in the article, the congress is running out of options to make the capitol power plant fully green and cost is another concern that the congress faces especially in the mist of economic crisis.

Using carbon sequestration technology or converting the plants entirely to using natural gases were some of the ways mentioned in the article, as means to reduce carbon dioxide, however cost has been one of the concerns for such implementation.

Using carbon sequestration technology could reduce 60% of carbon dioxide emission by capturing and storing carbon dioxide to prevent it from being release into the atmosphere will cost $112 million. Other concerns for using carbon sequestration technologies include availability of disposal grounds and increase in other types of air pollutions.

Natural gases that burns cleaner then coal can reduce half as much carbon dioxide, however the cost to upgrade the equipment in existing coal fired power plants will cost about 6 to 7 million and the cost of using natural gases is four times more expensive then using coal.

Should the above be implemented, it demonstrate Congress' willingness to deal with global warming.

Article obtained from: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090302/ap_on_go_co/congress_power_plant_5