As the recession worsens its bite, many experts think the worldwide lull in economic activity will briefly decrease the planet's carbon footprint. Greenhouse gas emissions from industry, homes and vehicles will shrink, according to Harvard University economist Robert Stavins.
As the recession worsens its bite, many experts think the worldwide lull in economic activity will briefly decrease the planet's carbon footprint.
Greenhouse gas emissions from industry, homes and vehicles will shrink, according to Harvard University economist Robert Stavins.
In fact, the Energy Department's most recent forecast said U.S. carbon dioxide emissions could drop to 6.98 billion metric tons this year.
That's down from 7.3 billion tons in 2007 -- the last year the economy saw growth.
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Stavins thinks the short respite in emissions could even affect the outcome of a new global climate change treaty.
Since the recession may help some countries meet tough greenhouse gas reductions set by the Kyoto Protocol -- which will be renegotiated in Copenhagen this December -- policymakers will have more time to perfect a treaty that is an improvement on Kyoto, he said.
Article continues: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/03/silver_lining_how_the_recessio.html
