Making better use of clean and affordable Energy
The Goal of Sustainable Development in Energy
Energy is fundamental to the quality of our lives. Nowadays, we are totally dependent on an abundant and uninterrupted supply of energy for living and working. It is a key ingredient in all sectors of modern economies.
We know that energy demand will increase significantly in the future. By the year 2050, world-wide energy demand is projected by the World Energy Council to be at least double its present level. Energy consumption is rising faster than the increase in the world population, as more and more people in China and other populous countries can enjoy modern, energy-consuming facilities like cars, refrigerators, electric heating and cooling etc.
Energy supply must be sustainable and diverse. And energy needs to be used more efficiently. A sustainable energy supply, both in the short- and the long-term, is needed for promoting both economic development and people's quality of life, as well as protecting the environment. We also need a greater diversification of energy resources - if we are largely dependent on one fuel source, like we do with oil today, we risk price rises and supply disruptions.
Energy is a precious resource which must be conserved. Improved energy efficiency, therefore, in our homes, factories and transport needs to be strongly encouraged.
Damage to the environment is reason enough to promote alternative environmentally friendly energy sources. Much of the global-scale environmental degradation we see today is due to the adverse effects of energy production and use. The burning of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases. There is a growing concern about global warming, that these gases can cause.
At present, fossil fuels produce most of our energy. Some energy comes from nuclear power stations and a small amount from renewable sources. Nuclear power and renewables do not produce greenhouse gases.
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