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The world energy consumption is currently estimated to be
around 11.3 billion tonnes of oil equivalent (T.O.E) (2009).
Energy consumption in industrialized countries has basically
been stable in the last 10 years, but in the rest of the world
it has been growing at approximately 5% per year. At this rate
and based on present technologies, the world’s annual energy
consumption could reach 20 billion T.O.E by the year 2020. The
consequences of such growth (approximately 80% of it originating
from fossil fuels) could be disastrous and lead to the
depletion of fossil fuel resources, geopolitical problems caused
by access to such fuels and environmental problems, notably
global warming.
Developing countries are witnessing a substantial growth in
their greenhouse gas emissions, mostly due to rapid
industrialization and transport growth, but also due to the
unsustainable use of fuel wood and subsequent deforestation. It
is obvious that the current energy systems are insufficient to
meet the energy demand, and as long as the primary energy mix
remains biased towards fossil fuels it will be hard for the
developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development
Goals.
Solving the present energy problems implies tackling the causes
and reducing the existing negative effects - To promote an
equivalent well-being, it is necessary to reduce the amount of
fossil fuels
based energy resources being utilized on a daily basis; by
employing new technology for the smooth integration and
utilization of renewable energy resources, and implementation of
complementary actions and policies that encourage a well
balanced
Energy Mix.
Most developing countries are located in tropical areas where
the existence of rivers and rain-fed, arable land provide the
conditions for renewable energy to flourish. While competition
with food production and multiple water uses are important
issues, more often than not the problems may be overestimated,
and can be dealt with through appropriate logistics and land-use
planning, Further more promoting ‘Green Growth’ would bring
substantial benefits that will help to avoid the severe effects
and costs of climate change. |
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