136k views
1 vote
What fraction of the fossil fuel emissions in the United States could be absorbed by converting 25?

User Mnd
by
7.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The question seems to be missing information but relates to the absorption of fossil fuel emissions in the U.S. Information provided by the EPA highlights the role of the transportation system in emissions, stressing the need for efficiency and alternative energy sources. Understanding the carbon cycle is also essential, as half of CO₂ emissions are absorbed by oceans and land, with the remaining affecting climate sensitivity and global temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the potential of converting 25% of fossil fuel emissions in the United States into another form, possibly by absorption through various means. However, the question lacks clarity on what the '25' refers to, and it seems to be a typo or incomplete information. Nonetheless, we can touch upon related concepts.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation systems account for a significant portion of emissions, demanding mitigation through improved fuel efficiency, urban planning, and alternatives like telecommuting. Likewise, sustainable replacements for fossil fuels are necessary to diminish CO₂ emissions in the long run (EROEI, renewable resources, and solar photovoltaics).

Empirical data suggests that approximately half of CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion remains in the atmosphere, while the rest is absorbed by the ocean and land. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is critical to managing the rise in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and associated radiative forcing (climate change, and radiative forcing), which can lead to a significant increase in global temperatures, as explained by the climate sensitivity parameter.

User Tomacco
by
7.9k points