Cary Weiner, Colorado State University Extension

 

Cary Weiner is Clean Energy Specialist for Colorado State University Extension.  He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.  His previous experience includes being Renewable Energy Planner for the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico and both a budget analyst and environmental educator for the State of New Mexico.  In his current position with CSU Extension, Cary develops and delivers statewide energy programming to consumers, volunteers, teachers, and agricultural producers.  He has published and peer

What is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) per pound of coal compared to pound of wood that is released into the air when each is burned?

The amount of carbon dioxide released from coal and wood depends on the type of coal or wood consumed and the moisture contents of both. A very rough estimate is that for each unit of coal or wood consumed, 1.5 units of CO2 are released. Higher-grade coal has higher carbon content so the amount of CO2 released per unit mass would also be higher.

The major difference between the carbon released from burning coal and wood is that …