Global Warming and System Safety

Abstract

We are currently confronted with the existential challenge of global warning. Because of its nature it is a challenge that confronts the entire globe both in terms of contributing factors and bearing the consequences. In both aspects there is an inevitable balance of responsibilities and consequences. In the former, some national entities are bigger contributors to the problem than others and in a similar manner some global areas suffer relatively more significant negative consequences. Another major challenge has been that of generating a better scientific understanding of the relationships between greenhouse gas emission, global warming, and the resulting environmental consequences. The remaining challenges that follow are how best to prevent or minimise greenhouse gas emissions, how to store them safety and how to mitigate the potential negative consequences. These are now global level responsibilities. At first sight this appears to be a problem restricted to big science, technology, and engineering alone in terms of finding more acceptable forms of energy production, as a counter to our current dependence on fossil fuels and that it might not be an area where system safety can play a prominent part. However, this is not the case, and this paper explores the system safety application possibilities, because all new developments require to be implemented in a safe manner.