Effects Of Carbon Dioxide Emissions Research Articles

Carbon tax vs CO 2 sequestration effects on environomic analysis of existing power plants

The environomic analyses and optimization of three existing plants—steam cycle (320 MW), combined cycle (350 MW) and cogeneration gas turbine cycle (30 MW)—are here presented. The effects of the abatement devices of NO x and SO x emissions on the cost of electricity are evaluated. The effects of carbon dioxide emissions are also considered from two different points of view: CO 2 sequestration and CO 2 taxation (carbon tax).

Arrhenius and current climate concerns: Continuity or a 100‐year gap?

In a paper presented to the Stockholm Physical Society in 1895 and published the following year, Svante Arrhenius demonstrated that variations of atmospheric CO2 concentration could have a very great effect on the overall heat budget and surface temperature of the planet. It would be a mistake, however, to consider this work as a direct forerunner of current climate concerns [Uppenbrink, 1996].Arrhenius, who has recently gained renewed attention as the “father” of the theory of the greenhouse effect, held assumptions and produced results that are not continuous with present‐day climate research. For example, he suggested that increasing the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels might be beneficial, making the Earth's climates warmer and “more equable,” stimulating plant growth, and providing more food for a larger population [Arrhenius, 1908]. Arrhenius's view of the potentially beneficial effects of carbon dioxide emissions differs radically from current concerns over the harmful effects of a global warming caused by industrial activity and deforestation [Fleming, 1998].

Carbon Taxation, Prices and Inequality in Australia

Recognition of the adverse effects of carbon dioxide emissions, resulting mainly from the combustion of fossil fuels, has led to proposals for non-market mechanisms such as regulation, and market mechanisms such as tradable emissions permits and carbon taxes, in order to reduce emissions. Market methods are usually preferred in terms of efficiency, and the carbon tax is deemed as being the easiest to implement and monitor. Owen (1992, p. 4) compares carbon taxes with other instruments; Pearce (1991) provides a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of a carbon tax; and Dower and Zimmerman (1992) compare the merits of carbon taxes and tradable emissions permits. A carbon tax would affect the price of fossil fuels and thus consumer prices, both directly for fuels and indirectly for manufactured goods. These price changes would alter the levels of final demands, and therefore fossil fuel use and aggregate carbon dioxide emissions. This paper investigates the orders of magnitude of a carbon tax required to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Australia such that the Toronto target is met; this requires a reduction in emissions of 20 per cent of 1988 levels by 2005. The paper also examines the