This paper deals with the risk of global warming as intensified by the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of the transport sector, particularly in gasoline-powered vehicles in Brazil. In percentage terms, emissions by the transport sector (fossil fuels) have been steadily growing during the last decades. This figure emphasises the importance of considering the influence of transport when studying the climate problem of global warming. Passenger transport in Brazil is substantially dependent upon fossil fuels mainly petrol and diesel. Car ownership and use are increasing fast partly because of very poor public transport quality which, in turn, is causing higher emission levels of CO2. In this connection, the use of ethanol in Brazil for transport sector may prove to be an important alternative furthering the efforts to stabilise the actual level of gases in the atmosphere. The energy derived from biomass, and in this case, from a renewable, "clean" source, i.e. from sugar cane, has the unquestionable advantage of permitting the almost complete reabsorption of Carbon Dioxide emitted through the combustion of fuel alcohol. This closed cycle allows, in principle, to increase the energy supply, essential for economic growth, with less hazards to the environment. (A)
Abstract