Global Climate Change

This paper reviews the validity of the greenhouse warming theory, its possible impact on the automotive industry, and what could be done. Currently there is very limited evidence that man’s activity has caused global warming. Mathematical models of the earth’s heat balance predict warming and associated climate changes, but their predictions have not been validated. Concern over possible warming has led to several evaluations of feasible CO₂ control measures. Although cars and trucks contribute only a small fraction of the CO₂ buildup, the automotive industry may be expected to reduce its share of the atmospheric CO₂ loading if controls become necessary. Methods to reduce automotive CO₂ emissions, including alternative fuels such as methanol, natural gas, and electricity, are discussed. Also, control of the other greenhouse gases, which may currently contribute about 45 percent of the greenhouse warming, is considered.