Effects of Energy Production and Consumption on Air Pollution and Global Warming

Abstract

In this study, different fuel combinations that can be adopted to reduce the level of air pollution and GHG emissions associated with the energy generation are assessed; and the air pollution and global warming effects of the Jamaican electricity generation fuel mix are determined. Based on the energy production and consumption patterns, and global warming potentials, the authors conclude that: an increase in energy consumption and production yields an increase in GHGs and other major pollutants; choice of the fuel mix determines the success of GHG emissions reductions; and there is no single fuel that is not associated with GHG or other air pollution or environmental degradation implications