In a new study published in the journal “Energy Policy,” researchers Nick E. B. Cowern and Chihak Ahn from the University of Oxford have shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of thermal emissions and their impact on climate change. Their work highlights the importance of considering thermal emissions in climate projections and energy technology development.
Global warming is primarily driven by an imbalance between the energy entering and leaving the Earth’s climate system, a phenomenon known as temperature forcing. While greenhouse gas emissions and agriculture are well-known contributors to this forcing, thermal emissions from burning fossil fuels have received less attention. Cowern and Ahn’s research demonstrates that if thermal emissions are not controlled, they could lead to an indefinite increase in temperature forcing, even if energy use grows at a modest rate of 1% per year.
Current climate projections often predict a peak in temperature forcing around the year 2050, followed by a decline. However, these projections typically do not account for thermal emissions. Cowern and Ahn’s findings suggest that without effective management of thermal emissions, this decline may not occur. The researchers emphasize the need for novel energy technologies to control thermal emissions or the adoption of renewable energy sources that exploit existing energy flows within the climate system or act as effective sinks for thermal energy.
The study underscores the importance of renewable energy sources such as wind, wave, tidal, ocean thermal, and solar energy. These sources harness energy flows already present in the climate system, thereby minimizing additional temperature forcing. The researchers argue that transitioning to these renewable sources could provide a more elegant solution to combating climate change compared to geoengineering efforts.
For the energy industry, this research highlights the practical application of investing in and developing renewable energy technologies. By focusing on renewable sources, energy companies can help mitigate the impact of thermal emissions on climate change. Additionally, the study serves as a reminder of the importance of considering all aspects of energy production and use in climate projections and policy decisions.
In summary, Cowern and Ahn’s research provides a crucial perspective on the role of thermal emissions in climate change and the potential of renewable energy technologies to address this challenge. Their findings call for a more comprehensive approach to energy production and climate policy, emphasizing the need for innovation and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.