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Can China afford to commit itself to an emissions cap? An economic and political analysis
75 Environment inclusion in petrochemical products, etc., (stored C) showed these figures must be updated and checked for their applicability on a global scale, since they are mostly based on US data.
02/01136 Can China afford to commit itself to an emissions cap? An economic and political analysis Zhang, Z.X. Energy Economics, 2000, 22, (6). 587-614. As the world’s second largest carbon emitter, China has long been criticized as a ‘free-rider’ enjoying benefits from other countries’ efforts to abate greenhouse gas emissions but not taking due responsibilities of its own. China has been singled out as one of the major targets at the subsequent negotiations after the Kyoto curtain had fallen. By analysing the historical contributions of inter-fuel economic growth and population switching, energy conservation, expansion to China’s COa emissions during the period 1980-1997, this article first demonstrates that the above criticism cannot hold its ground. What the economic effects would be if China’s carbon emissions in 2010 were cut by 20% and 30%, respectively, relative to the baseline were analysed. We found that China’s GNP losses under the two less restrictive carbon limits are in the same range as the often reported estimates for industrialized countries under very restrictive carbon limits. Then the article envisions some efforts and commitments that could be expected from China until its per capita income catches up with the level of middle-developed countries. By emphasizing the win-win strategies, these efforts and commitments could be unlikely to severely jeopardize China’s economic development and, at the same time, would give the country more leverage at the post-Kyoto climate change negotiations. Finally, the article is concluded with the argument that combating global climate change is in China’s interest. It will be beneficial to a more sustainable development of the Chinese economy as well as to the global climate.
02/01137 Carbon dynamics in mires, from Sphagnum to the greenhouse effect Francez, A-J. Annre Bid, 2000, 39, (4), 2055270. (In France) Sphagnum mires are sink ecosystems for carbon, C-fixation by photosynthesis being higher than organic d?cay. Tptal primary production is generally lower than 500 g C.m year , moss layer contribution reaching sometimes 80% of the whole production Mea; annual accumulation in Sphagnum peatlands peat is about 30 g C-m , which corresponds approximately to 10% of primary production Accumulation/production ratio increases from fen to bog and varies with vegetation communities. Methane emissions in the atmosphere from mires are about 39 T g.year (1 Tg = 10” g), i.e. 35% of the whole contribution of wetlands. They fluctuate wi;h the types of mires and vegetation and reach sometimes 3 g CH, m day Mires have been used for agriculture and peat mining. The consequences of drainage and other managements to practise these different uses were carbon emissions of 6500 Mt from peat, since the beginnmg of the nineteenth century. In these conditions, fitting of carbon emissions in the atmosphere shows that disturbed mires could contribute to the greenhouse effect as much as coal mining. The influence of increasing atmosphere depositions is not yet well known but seems to be site- and species-dependent. In some European regions, great area of mires have disappeared under the increasing of nitrogen and sulfur depositions, Restoration experiments of mires show that it is possible to regenerate turfigenous process but the time responses for total recovery differ with sites and degrees of disturbance.
02/01138 Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide from biofuel fires in Kenya Kituyi, E. ef crl. Encry! Conversion crnrl Munagemmr, 2001. 42. (13), 1517~1542. Emission ratios (ER) of CO and NO relative to CO2 are reported from real time emission measurements on biofuel fires in Kenya. The experiments were based on available fuels burning in local popular traditional and improved ,stoves. The mean &O/&O2 ratios were 7 I, 79 dnd 74 mmol mol for finewood, charcoal and agricultural residues. respectively. while the corresponding mean c/NO/f/COz ratio,s for these fuels, in the same order, were 1.8, and 2.2 mmol mol , respectively Whereas stove design characteristics largely influenced the
(pollution, health protection,
safety)
02/01139 Changes in sulfate deposition in eastern USA following implementation of Phase I of Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Lynch, J.A. er rrl. Armos. Environ., 2000, 34, (II), 1665-1680. Phase I of Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) was implemented on January 1, 1995. On that date limitations were imposed on sulphur dioxide emissions from 110 coal-fired electric utility plants (263 units) in 21 states, of which 17 are east of the Mississippi River. Sulphur dioxide emissions at these plants dropped by an average of 2.86 million tons (38%) from 1995 through 1997, when compared to mean 1993-1994 emissions from these plants. As a result of these reductions, wet sulphate deposition decreased by an average of 2.4-4.0 kg/ha (lo-25%) over a large area of the eastern USA. Based on more than 15 years of data, the decrease in wet deposition was unprecedented in magnitude and spatial extent. The largest decrease occurred across the Mid-Appalachian and Northeast regions of the country, the regions specifically targeted by Phase I for reductions in acidic deposition. Although the reductions in wet SO+,- deposition were generally consistent with observed reductions in SOQ2- concentrations, deviations in precipitation volumes between the pre- and postPhase I periods did result in some sites recording significantly (p < 0.05) lower post-Phase I concentrations but higher wet depositions. Deviations in precipitation within and between regions also influenced the magnitude and spatial distribution of the observed changes in wet so42 deposition. Clearly, deviations in the amount and distribution of precipitation need to be considered along with concentration changes in evaluating the CAAA effectiveness in reducing acidic deposition. This is particularly important in the eastern USA, since many of the most acid-sensitive ecosystems are located in regions, mostly mountainous and forested, that are subject to considerable fluctuations in precipitation volumes and subsequently acidic wet deposition.
02/01140 Characterizing PM2.5 emission profiles for stationary sources: comparison of traditional and dilution sampling techniques England, G.C. et al. Fuel Processing Technology, 2000, 65-66, 177-188. Data representative of current designs and operating practices regarding emission of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors, especially organic compounds and aerosols, from stationary petroleum industry combustion sources is sparse. The petroleum industry operates many stationary combustion devices in exploration, production, refining, and marketing activities. The vast majority of these devices are gasfired, using process gases or natural gas. Emission of primary PM2.5 from gas-fired combustion sources is believed to be very low; however, emission of secondary aerosol precursors (NO,, SO*, SOs, NH,, VOC, etc.) from such sources also contributes to ambient PM2.5. Because of the large quantities of gas burned, the wide variety of combustion devices, and the wide range of process gas compositions, application of inappropriate data could implicate gas combustion as a significant source of ambient PM2.5. Improved characterization of stationary source emissions is required for reliable PM2.5 source apportionment. Therefore, a test protocol for characterizing stationary source contributions. including primary and secondary aerosols, to ambient PM2.5 has been developed. Tests were performed on refinery combustion sources using both conventional source sampling methods and a dilution sampling approach. The paper discusses approaches for characterization of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors from stationary combustion sources and initial results of field measurements made using traditional and dilution samplmg techniques. The results suggest that traditional source sampling methods for condensible aerosols may significantly overestimate emissions from gas-fired combustion devices.
02/01141 Chemical investigations of aquifers affected by pyrite oxidation in the Bitterfeld lignite district Griitzmacher, G. e! crl. Wusre Managemenr, 2001, 21, (2). 127-137. In a large area around the former open-pit lignite mines near Bitterfeld, Germany, groundwater taken from wells was analysed for the major cations, anions, and trace elements. Quaternary and Tertiary sediments were collected from aquifers exposed on the sides of the pits and from boreholes outside the mines and analysed for major and trace elements, as well as for carbonate, pyritic sulfur and total organic carbon. The pH and electrical conductivity of the sediments in suspension were measured. Significant differences were determined between the Tertiary sediments of the aquifers that were exposed to atmospheric oxygen during the lowering of the groundwater table and those outside the cone of depression. The greatest differences were found in the pyrite content, the pH values, and the electrical conductivity. In order to map the degree to which the mining of the lignite has affected the quality of the groundwater in the study area, the water samples were divided into six classes on the basis of their sulfate content, The neutralization potential was calculated to estimate the potential for acidification. Prediction of future groundwater quality is based on both (i) the present composition of the groundwater, surface water, and Quaternary and Tertiary aquifer sediments and (ii) the Fuel and Energy Abstracts
March 2002
139
02/01136 Can China afford to commit itself to an emissions cap? An economic and political analysis Zhang, Z.X. Energy Economics, 2000, 22, (6). 587-614. As the world’s second largest carbon emitter, China has long been criticized as a ‘free-rider’ enjoying benefits from other countries’ efforts to abate greenhouse gas emissions but not taking due responsibilities of its own. China has been singled out as one of the major targets at the subsequent negotiations after the Kyoto curtain had fallen. By analysing the historical contributions of inter-fuel economic growth and population switching, energy conservation, expansion to China’s COa emissions during the period 1980-1997, this article first demonstrates that the above criticism cannot hold its ground. What the economic effects would be if China’s carbon emissions in 2010 were cut by 20% and 30%, respectively, relative to the baseline were analysed. We found that China’s GNP losses under the two less restrictive carbon limits are in the same range as the often reported estimates for industrialized countries under very restrictive carbon limits. Then the article envisions some efforts and commitments that could be expected from China until its per capita income catches up with the level of middle-developed countries. By emphasizing the win-win strategies, these efforts and commitments could be unlikely to severely jeopardize China’s economic development and, at the same time, would give the country more leverage at the post-Kyoto climate change negotiations. Finally, the article is concluded with the argument that combating global climate change is in China’s interest. It will be beneficial to a more sustainable development of the Chinese economy as well as to the global climate.
02/01137 Carbon dynamics in mires, from Sphagnum to the greenhouse effect Francez, A-J. Annre Bid, 2000, 39, (4), 2055270. (In France) Sphagnum mires are sink ecosystems for carbon, C-fixation by photosynthesis being higher than organic d?cay. Tptal primary production is generally lower than 500 g C.m year , moss layer contribution reaching sometimes 80% of the whole production Mea; annual accumulation in Sphagnum peatlands peat is about 30 g C-m , which corresponds approximately to 10% of primary production Accumulation/production ratio increases from fen to bog and varies with vegetation communities. Methane emissions in the atmosphere from mires are about 39 T g.year (1 Tg = 10” g), i.e. 35% of the whole contribution of wetlands. They fluctuate wi;h the types of mires and vegetation and reach sometimes 3 g CH, m day Mires have been used for agriculture and peat mining. The consequences of drainage and other managements to practise these different uses were carbon emissions of 6500 Mt from peat, since the beginnmg of the nineteenth century. In these conditions, fitting of carbon emissions in the atmosphere shows that disturbed mires could contribute to the greenhouse effect as much as coal mining. The influence of increasing atmosphere depositions is not yet well known but seems to be site- and species-dependent. In some European regions, great area of mires have disappeared under the increasing of nitrogen and sulfur depositions, Restoration experiments of mires show that it is possible to regenerate turfigenous process but the time responses for total recovery differ with sites and degrees of disturbance.
02/01138 Carbon monoxide and nitric oxide from biofuel fires in Kenya Kituyi, E. ef crl. Encry! Conversion crnrl Munagemmr, 2001. 42. (13), 1517~1542. Emission ratios (ER) of CO and NO relative to CO2 are reported from real time emission measurements on biofuel fires in Kenya. The experiments were based on available fuels burning in local popular traditional and improved ,stoves. The mean &O/&O2 ratios were 7 I, 79 dnd 74 mmol mol for finewood, charcoal and agricultural residues. respectively. while the corresponding mean c/NO/f/COz ratio,s for these fuels, in the same order, were 1.8, and 2.2 mmol mol , respectively Whereas stove design characteristics largely influenced the
(pollution, health protection,
safety)
02/01139 Changes in sulfate deposition in eastern USA following implementation of Phase I of Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 Lynch, J.A. er rrl. Armos. Environ., 2000, 34, (II), 1665-1680. Phase I of Title IV of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) was implemented on January 1, 1995. On that date limitations were imposed on sulphur dioxide emissions from 110 coal-fired electric utility plants (263 units) in 21 states, of which 17 are east of the Mississippi River. Sulphur dioxide emissions at these plants dropped by an average of 2.86 million tons (38%) from 1995 through 1997, when compared to mean 1993-1994 emissions from these plants. As a result of these reductions, wet sulphate deposition decreased by an average of 2.4-4.0 kg/ha (lo-25%) over a large area of the eastern USA. Based on more than 15 years of data, the decrease in wet deposition was unprecedented in magnitude and spatial extent. The largest decrease occurred across the Mid-Appalachian and Northeast regions of the country, the regions specifically targeted by Phase I for reductions in acidic deposition. Although the reductions in wet SO+,- deposition were generally consistent with observed reductions in SOQ2- concentrations, deviations in precipitation volumes between the pre- and postPhase I periods did result in some sites recording significantly (p < 0.05) lower post-Phase I concentrations but higher wet depositions. Deviations in precipitation within and between regions also influenced the magnitude and spatial distribution of the observed changes in wet so42 deposition. Clearly, deviations in the amount and distribution of precipitation need to be considered along with concentration changes in evaluating the CAAA effectiveness in reducing acidic deposition. This is particularly important in the eastern USA, since many of the most acid-sensitive ecosystems are located in regions, mostly mountainous and forested, that are subject to considerable fluctuations in precipitation volumes and subsequently acidic wet deposition.
02/01140 Characterizing PM2.5 emission profiles for stationary sources: comparison of traditional and dilution sampling techniques England, G.C. et al. Fuel Processing Technology, 2000, 65-66, 177-188. Data representative of current designs and operating practices regarding emission of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors, especially organic compounds and aerosols, from stationary petroleum industry combustion sources is sparse. The petroleum industry operates many stationary combustion devices in exploration, production, refining, and marketing activities. The vast majority of these devices are gasfired, using process gases or natural gas. Emission of primary PM2.5 from gas-fired combustion sources is believed to be very low; however, emission of secondary aerosol precursors (NO,, SO*, SOs, NH,, VOC, etc.) from such sources also contributes to ambient PM2.5. Because of the large quantities of gas burned, the wide variety of combustion devices, and the wide range of process gas compositions, application of inappropriate data could implicate gas combustion as a significant source of ambient PM2.5. Improved characterization of stationary source emissions is required for reliable PM2.5 source apportionment. Therefore, a test protocol for characterizing stationary source contributions. including primary and secondary aerosols, to ambient PM2.5 has been developed. Tests were performed on refinery combustion sources using both conventional source sampling methods and a dilution sampling approach. The paper discusses approaches for characterization of PM2.5 and PM2.5 precursors from stationary combustion sources and initial results of field measurements made using traditional and dilution samplmg techniques. The results suggest that traditional source sampling methods for condensible aerosols may significantly overestimate emissions from gas-fired combustion devices.
02/01141 Chemical investigations of aquifers affected by pyrite oxidation in the Bitterfeld lignite district Griitzmacher, G. e! crl. Wusre Managemenr, 2001, 21, (2). 127-137. In a large area around the former open-pit lignite mines near Bitterfeld, Germany, groundwater taken from wells was analysed for the major cations, anions, and trace elements. Quaternary and Tertiary sediments were collected from aquifers exposed on the sides of the pits and from boreholes outside the mines and analysed for major and trace elements, as well as for carbonate, pyritic sulfur and total organic carbon. The pH and electrical conductivity of the sediments in suspension were measured. Significant differences were determined between the Tertiary sediments of the aquifers that were exposed to atmospheric oxygen during the lowering of the groundwater table and those outside the cone of depression. The greatest differences were found in the pyrite content, the pH values, and the electrical conductivity. In order to map the degree to which the mining of the lignite has affected the quality of the groundwater in the study area, the water samples were divided into six classes on the basis of their sulfate content, The neutralization potential was calculated to estimate the potential for acidification. Prediction of future groundwater quality is based on both (i) the present composition of the groundwater, surface water, and Quaternary and Tertiary aquifer sediments and (ii) the Fuel and Energy Abstracts
March 2002
139