Gordon J. Aubrecht

Trace gases, CO2, climate, and the greenhouse effect

Weather is driven by the sun’s energy input and the difference between insolation per unit area of the poles and the equator. The energy flux of the Earth is in long‐term balance—as much is radiated away by the Earth as is absorbed, or the mean temperature would have to increase or decrease steadily (and, of course, this is not observed). CO2 and other ‘‘trace gases’’ can cause the Earth’s mean temperature to rise through the Greenhouse Effect. The mean temperature in the Little Ice Age was only 1 °C cooler, but large effects were felt, especially toward the poles. The CO2 which stays in the atmosphere will raise Earth’s mean temperature, with effects which are relatively certain: a lot of warming at the poles, and a very small amount of warming at the equator.

Energy conservation in West Germany

The efficient consumption of energy in West Germany is reported. The mass transit systems are discussed as well as the widespread use of home water heaters.(AIP)