Our demand for energy continues to soar, especially for the relatively cheap oil and gas that has formed the basis of how almost all of our communities have developed over the past century.
Population growth, economic development and changing consumption patterns mean that energy demand will continue increasing in the future.
Moreover about 1.6 billion people currently have no access to electricity, and over 2 billion people depend on burning wood, plants and animal waste for cooking and heating. The world’s poor also need more energy which is healthy, reliable and sustainable.
Energy supply both depends on, and impacts, natural ecosystems such as forests, oceans and rivers.
The world is of course aware of the problem and most societies are in the midst of changing from dependence on oil and gas to a more diverse mix of energy sources. New and emerging energy technologies such as clean coal, and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, tidal, geothermal and bio-energy can all play a role.
We need solutions that drastically cut carbon emissions, but still provide safe, reliable and cheap energy without damaging natural biodiversity.
