Rich in poor Environment: Where does it lead us?

Till few years ago the health of an economy was determined by per capita income or per capita consumption. Today we have a new definition added for determining well being of a society. It is called per capita energy consumption. Energy consumption is directly proportional to the growth of the economy. The more energy consumed the better is the economic growth but- what about Environment? Energy is one of the most important economic drivers as also a source of enviornmetal disaster if we are not careful about its use. Some of the energy sources we now consume come from burning petroleum that is derived from crude oil. Other major energy sources include coal, natural gas and uranium. Unfortunately, using these materials leads to numerous environmental problems. In addition, none of these energy sources is renewable.


Rich and poor, developed, developing and under-developed countries alike need to apply energy-efficient technologies to cut future greenhouse gas emissions and to meet the energy needs of the developing world.

Gradually non-renewable energy sources will become scarcer and costlier. Crude oil, which is still the world’s most important energy carrier covers approximately one-third of the global demand for energy. The steady growth in transport services leads to a continuous increase in the demand for oil. Studies reveal that the number of cars will double internationally over the next three decades –leading to a phenomenal increase in the demand of crude oil unless a vehicle propulsion revolution takes place soon.

Also carbon dioxide emissions from the use of fossil fuels will continue to build up in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming. According to World Development Indicator 2009, without government initiatives on energy or climate change, global temperatures may rise as much as 6°C by the end of the century. This outcome of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Trend Scenario can be compared with a 3°C rise under a Policy Scenario in which greenhouse gasses are stabilized at 550 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide equivalent and a 2°C rise under a Policy Scenario in which concentrations are stabilized at 450 ppm. The consequences of the Trend Scenario go well beyond what the international community regards as acceptable.

World is already experiencing the impact of rising average global temperature on physical and biological systems, and the situation is worsening day by day. The 13 warmest years since 1880 have occurred in the last 16 years. There is a risk of reaching unpredictable tipping points, such as a rise in Arctic temperatures precipitating a massive release of methane from permafrost zones. Thawing permafrost could also threaten oil and gas extraction infrastructure and pipeline. If this contentious prediction comes true, the crisis may leave the world on a higher carbon dioxide emission path.

Such complex situations where demand cannot be curbed at the cost of development (and in some cases survival), alternate green energy becomes the only solution.

Time to take Action.

The future lies in green and clean energy. At policy level, the governments, international agencies, civil societies and corporate houses are engaged in a concerted effort to explore and harness energy from unconventional source in
view of shortage of non-renewable sources of energy. At business level , companies are trying to develop energy-efficient transformers so that electricity is not wasted to a great measure during transmission. At individual level we need to understand the importance of energy in our lives and stop taking it for granted. We have to minimize the use of oil, gas, electricity, or any other fuel. We cannot afford to waste any available energy. It is also important to spread awareness about limited availability of energy resources. Simple things like joining a car pool, switching off car engines at raffic lights, and minimizing the use of gas and oil in everyday activities will help a long way in crisis-readiness.

Worldwide effort is being made and more innovations are in the offering. For a change, the entrepreneurs all over the world are getting attracted towards tremendous opportunity in green energy sector. With such a massive cash booster for this sector, global market is definitely steered towards a low carbon economy. And this provides a great relief to the common people reeling under the perpetual trepidation of energy shortage and eventual end.