Global climate change - the technology challenge

Anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, have led to increasing atmospheric concentrations which are at least partly responsible for the roughly 0.7 degrees C global warming earth has experienced since the industrial revolution. With industrial activity and population expected to increase for the rest of the century, large increases in greenhouse gas emissions are projected, with additional and potentially substantial subsequent global warming predicted. The paper provides a brief overview of the factors driving CO2 emissions for the world and for selected countries, an examination of key technologies that would be required for an aggressive mitigation program, and a concise sector-by-sector summary of mitigation options, along with R&D priorities.