ABSTRACT
As the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are related to fundamental human needs, there is a clear link between the emission of GHGs and the growth of population, production and consumption. Energy-related emissions slowed down during 1973-1980 due to the energy crisis but have begun rising again since 1985 due to the low energy prices and the continuing growth of production and consumption. Nitrogen oxides and non-methane hydrocarbons are precursors of the tropospheric ozone, which also acts as a greenhouse gas. Depending on the assumption and definitions, it can generally be said that the combined agriculture and industrial sectors cause 35 per cent of the problem, while 65 per cent is caused by the energy sector. Global energy demand has grown at an average annual rate of approximately 2 per cent for almost two centuries. Significant reductions in net GHG emissions are technically possible and can be economically feasible.
