Energy

Based on data from the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, it is estimated that the mean global surface temperature has increased by about 0.3 to 0.6 degree Celsius since the late 19th century to the present, and an increase of 0.2 to 0.3 degree over the last 40 years. This increase is likely to have been the largest of any century during the past 1,000 years.

It is predicted that by the year 2050, global temperature would rise around five degrees Celsius with some severe and unavoidable impacts. Although there are other causes of global warming, the main forcing agent is our energy consumption and the subsequent waste emissions. Increasing household demand for gas, electricity, oil products, soaring prices, uncertain energy supplies and fears of global warming have opened our eyes to the fact that energy can no longer be taken for granted.

The regional temperature would change significantly, thus affecting the future energy consumption behaviour. There is also a distinct, direct impact of climate change on energy demand due to variations in the regional and temporal distribution of temperatures. Two opposing effects are at work: the heating effect, which is the decrease in the use of energy for heating purposes, and the cooling effect, which is the increase in energy demand for cooling purposes.

Energy demand is also influenced by income levels, as wealth and income affect the capability to adapt to climate change. For example, richer countries can spend more in cooling devices (which are superior goods), whereas poorer countries devote much of their expenditure on subsistence goods. Thus the central question for contemporary sustainability is whether economic growth can be decoupled from greenhouse gas emissions.

The world is expected to change dramatically over the next 25 years, presenting significant challenges for energy production and use. For example, by 2030, the International Energy Agency estimates that $17 trillion dollars of investment will be made in energy infrastructure, largely in developing countries. These investments and others will need to be carefully planned to ensure that greenhouse gas mitigation occurs hand-in-hand with meeting the energy needs and development aspirations of developed and developing countries.

Facilitating transition towards a low carbon economy therefore, is one of the greatest challenges before the world. Energy efficiency has emerged as a major adaptation measure to reduce the consumption of energy. There is a need for increased efficiency in all parts of the value chain – production, transmission and distribution, consumer/end user level, industry and transport.

Efficiency can be achieved by retrofitting buildings and infrastructure, and by lifestyle changes. In altering the already existing structures, insulation, window glazing, lighting efficiency, etc. can be done and  use of solar lanterns, energy efficient appliances with star ratings, carpooling to avoid pollution, etc. can be the lifestyle changes adopted by people.

A comprehensive legislative framework is necessary for the promotion and the use of renewable energy.  Boosting investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and new technologies contributes to sustainable development and security of supply, and helps create new jobs, economic growth, greater competitiveness and rural development.