Abstract
Global warming is directly related to the consumption of fossil fuel and corresponding CO2 emission in the atmosphere. We have analyzed available data from various sources for energy consumptions, CO2 emissions, and Earth’s average atmospheric temperature during the period 1970 to 2018. We also analyzed the projected energy consumption data during 2018 to 2050. It is found that human industrial activities between 1970 and 2018 have consumed 385 Gtoe of fossil fuel and emitted1143 Gt of CO2 into the Earth’s atmosphere. As a result, the Earth’s average atmospheric temperature has increased 0.90? between 1970 and 2018. It is found that the projected world total fossil fuel consumption during 2018 to 2050 is 378 Gtoe. We estimate that this 378 Gtoe fossil fuel consumption emits 1122 Gt of CO2 into the Earth’s atmosphere resulting in about another1 °C increase in the Earth’s average atmospheric temperature. We suggest that the global warming is advancing more rapidly, and International communities, scientists and engineers must take appropriate rapid action to save the Earth from devastating consequences.
Highlights
Harnessing energy is an indicator of the advancement of human civilization
Global warming is directly related to the consumption of fossil fuel and corresponding CO2 emission in the atmosphere
Total fossil fuel consumption is rising every year (Figure 1a) and the chances of finding new reserves are becoming harder. Considering these factors, it is estimated that if the current rate of production continues oil reserves will run out in 50 years, natural gas in 50.9 years and coal in 132 years [4].The world total primary energy consumption in 2018 was 13864.9 Mtoe [4], which is equivalent to 161,248 Terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity
Summary
Harnessing energy is an indicator of the advancement of human civilization. Archeological evidences suggest that early hominids acquired skills of making and controlling fire about 100,000 years ago that enabled them to move out of Africa and to colonize colder environments [1]. 19th century when most of the science based industries, including electric power generation, emerged These new industrial and technological innovations and consumptions of various forms of fossil fuels would enhance the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth’s atmosphere forever which remained roughly constant below 287 ppm [3] for millions of years. The most alarming news is the world’s total annual CO2 emission is estimated to have risen by more than+2% in 2018 and likely to have reached an all-time high [4,5,6] This increase in CO2 emission in the recent past is attributed to the increasing use of fossil fuels in some countries for their economic benefit. Based on the fossil fuel consumption trend, we have estimated projected CO2 emission and relevant average atmospheric temperature rise
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