Group of 77: Science Advisers

1. Group of 77: Science Advisers Dylan West, Tylor Mansur, Brittany Davis, Shawn Blazer

2. Efficient Vehicles

3. The Need for Efficiency • As a nation develops, its economy relies increasingly upon the use of vehicles. • These vehicles are cheap and inefficient. • Carbon emissions from older vehicles is high • Many vehicles emit more than 200% more carbon dioxide than current, modern vehicles • Even in developed countries, up to 85% of the fuel put into a car is lost either through idling or engine inefficiency.

4. New Technologies • Retrofitting older vehicles with modern parts is a possible way to reducing fuel waste and carbon emissions. • These parts include an automated system which turns the engine off while the car is idling. • Some older vehicles must be removed from the roads completely and replaced. • This project could be expensive but would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Other Solutions • Governments can encourage the use of public transit systems. • These include trains and buses. • If the distance is short enough, carbon-free vehicles like bicycles should be used. • These solutions alone are insufficient because of the need for personal cars in developing nations.

6. Reduced Deforestation, Plus Reforestation, Afforestation, and New Plantations

7. Deforestation • Among other services, forests provide a carbon sink • It is estimated that up to 3 million square miles of forest have been destroyed since 1947, and that by 2030 only 10% of the currently undisturbed forest area will remain.

8. The World’s Forests

9. Deforestation in Developing Nations • Human pressures on forests are great in tropical developing nations, because the lumber industry is vital to the survival of many people • Forests are also cleared for agriculture and urbanization

10. Addressing the Problem • Following America’s national park model – closing off areas of land for preservation – is not economically viable in developing nations • In order to save rainforests from destruction, the methods must be financially beneficial for local governments and people

11. Viable Solutions • Current agriculture practices should be improved using alternative cultivation techniques, increasing the productivity of existing farms • This would diminish the need to clear more land • Funding for these efforts would come from: • Ecotourism • Carbon credits • Corporate sponsorship • Once funding is in place: • Expand protected areas • Promote sustainable use • Promote ecotourism and entrepreneurship • Compensate displaced people • Train local scientists and guides

12. Efficient Baseload Coal Plants

13. Coal Usage • Nearly 30% of the world’s electricity comes from coal. • Coal use is especially prevalent in developing nations because it is inexpensive. • Currently, coal plants – even in developed countries – lose about 66% of the energy stored in coal to heat. • To produce one megawatt hour of electricity, coal creates 2249 lbs of carbon dioxide. • It is currently the largest source of anthropogenic CO2.

14. Maximizing Coal Efficiency: Cogeneration • When coal is burned, a lot of heat is released into the environment. • Cogenerationor Combined Heat and Power (CHP): a method of recapturing thermal energy and using it for heating purposes • Energy that would otherwise be lost is put to use. • This process is already used in developed nations, and the cost of building a heat-recycling coal plant is comparable to the cost of a regular coal plant, making it a cost-effective way to improve efficiency. • Cogeneration can increase power plant efficiency from the current 33% to as much as 80%.

15. Cogeneration/CHP Useful heat Less waste Electricity Electricity Waste Fuel Utility and CHP Utility TraditionalSystem Cogeneration

16. Other Solutions • Clean coal technology uses carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from burning coal. • This solution does not improve the efficiency of coal, but rather mitigates the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels • This solution is also very costly and will likely not be adopted even in developed nations until around 2020, so for the G-77 cogeneration is likely the most effective method

17. Sources http://www.global-greenhouse-warming.com/vehicle-efficiency-wedge.html http://www.kelcroft.com.hk/img/cogeneration_chp.gif http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/03/energy-efficiency-cogeneration-biz-energy_cx_jz_0707efficiency_horror.html http://en.allexperts.com/q/Electric-Power-Utilities-2405/efficient-power-plant.htm http://cleantechnica.com/2008/06/26/electricity-generation-efficiency-its-not-about-the-technology/ http://www.cogeneration.net/terms.htm http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Coal_power_plant_Datteln_2_Crop1.png http://sitemaker.umich.edu/section9group4/files/picture1.jpg http://www.money-zine.com/Financial-Planning/Leasing-or-Buying-a-Car/Fuel-Efficient-Car-Technologies/ http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/uu17ee/uu17ee06.htm http://www.umich.edu/~gs265/society/deforestation.htm http://news.mongabay.com/2005/1127-rainforests.html