10/12/2010 12:00:00 AM
Using an energy–economic growth model that accounts for a range of demographic dynamics, researchers show that slowing population growth could provide 16–29% of the emissions reductions suggested to be necessary by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change. Researchers also find that aging and urbanization can substantially influence emissions in particular world regions.
In a recently published study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers investigate demographic trends and their potential imacts on climate change and carbon emissions. According to the study's abstract, "Global demographic trends and future carbon emissions" substantial changes in population size, age structure, and urbanization are expected in many parts of the world this century. Although such changes can affect energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, emissions scenario analyses have either left them out or treated them in a fragmentary or overly simplified manner. [MORE]
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climate change emissions global warming