3 - Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Fossil Fuel Consumption and Cement Manufacture, 1751–1991, and an Estimate of Their Isotopic Composition and Latitudinal Distribution

Summary

Abstract

This work briefly discusses four of the current research emphases at Oak Ridge National Laboratory regarding the emission of CO₂ from fossil fuel consumption, natural gas flaring, and cement manufacture. These emphases include: (1) updating the 1950 to present time series of CO₂ emissions from fossil fuel consumption and cement manufacture, (2) extending this time series back to 1751, (3) gridding the data at 1° × 1° resolution, and (4) estimating the isotopic signature of these emissions.

A latitudinal distribution of carbon emissions is being completed. A southward shift in the major mass of CO₂ emissions is occurring from European–North American latitudes toward Central–Southeast Asian latitudes, reflecting the growth of population and industrialization at these lower latitudes.

The carbon isotopic signature of these CO₂ emissions has been reexamined. The emissions of the past two decades were approximately 1% lighter than previously estimated.

Introduction

Emissions of CO₂ from the consumption of fossil fuels have resulted in an increasing concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere of the Earth. Combined with CO₂ releases from changes in land use, these emissions have perturbed the natural cycling of carbon, resulting in the accumulation of CO₂ in the atmosphere and concern that this may significantly change the climate of the Earth (Houghton et al., 1990, 1996).

Understanding the changes currently being observed and changes likely to occur in the future requires the best possible information on the flows of carbon in the Earth system.