Limiting energy use to curtail carbon dioxide emissions would stifle economies and leave the majority of the world impoverished, as energy use is the enabling agent for wealth. Left unchecked, however, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide will double in the next 50 years, as poorer nations of the world seek the standard of living enjoyed by today's richer nations. This doubling will take atmospheric carbon dioxide levels well beyond the highest levels recorded in geologic strata dating back 10 million years, with the potential for severe global impacts. Los Alamos is actively engaged in research and development to achieve carbon sequestration, the capture and secure storage of carbon dioxide emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels. Los Alamos' scientists have developed a number of innovative concepts combining expertise in earth sciences, chemistry and biology.
Hydrogen fuels release no carbon dioxide and can be used in fuel cells to produce electricity .
Others at Los Alamos are developing hydrogen separation membranes to yield pure hydrogen streams. To deal with diffuse carbon dioxide emissions such as those from cars, trucks and aircraft, Los Alamos scientists are investigating the direct chemical extraction of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Other Los Alamos scientists are addressing the same issue by improving the natural process by which the earth's biomass takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They are investigating how to enhance plant growth and soil retention of carbon. For permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide, Los Alamos proposes enhanced mineral carbonation.