World, We Have A Problem
Global primary energy demand increases by 53% between now and 2030. Over 70% of this increase comes from developing countries, led by China and India.
World oil demand reaches 116 mb/d in 2030, up from 84 mb/d in 2005.
Global carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions reach 40 Gt in 2030, a 55% increase over today’s level. China overtakes the United States as the world’s biggest emitter of CO2 before 2010.
Strong policy action is needed to move the world onto a more sustainable energy path.
Improved efficiency of energy use contributes most to the energy savings.
Coal has led the recent surge in global energy demand.
To quench the world’s thirst for energy, investment in energy-supply infrastructure of over $20 trillion in real terms over 2005-2030 [is necessary] – substantially more than was previously estimated.
It is far from certain that all this investment will actually occur.
Guess the source of those quotes. Would you say Sierra Club? International Institute for Energy Conservation? Energy Star?
No, not any of those. How about the IEA? They just released their World Energy Outlook 2006 report, which - based on the press release that I quote above - sounds very ominous. I'm hearing we are on an unsustainable path. I'm hearing recent demand has been quenched most by coal. I'm hearing that a mind boggling amount of money appears to be necessary to meet runaway demand. This is an alarming release - they actually mention that non-OPEC oil production will "peak" next decade. They are openly discussing peak production rates ... peak oil.
If our energy use is unsustainable ... and we likely can't find the money to support the growth in energy supply ... isn't it time to change the way things work? I think the answer is obvious.
