Greenhouse gas emissions and the developing countries : strategic options and the USAID response -- a report to Congress

The buildup of such gases -- notably, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, halons, and chlorofluorocarbons -- may contribute notably to a potentially disastrous situation of global warming. This report, prepared for the U.S. Congress, analyses current greenhouse gas emissions for developed and developing countries, postulates future levels of emissions under different economic growth scenarios, and identifies countries that potentially could become major greenhouse gas emitters; the latter include Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, and Zaire. The report also describes strategies for controlling greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining vigorous economic growth. These options involve energy technology (to reduce both the use of fossil fuels and the emissions thereof), forest management, and agricultural management. The final sections summarize ongoing A.I.D. initiatives that address global warming and outline new A.I.D. initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These plans include programs for collaborative energy technology development and commercialization, transfer of energy efficient and clean energy technology, expanded forestry policy research, training and institution strengthening focused on tropical deforestation and degradation, and international collaborative programs for monitoring greenhouse emissions and soil organic carbon stocks.