Energy for tomorrow's world

TL;DR: Energy is at the top of most agendas as mentioned in this paper, however, the world's energy decision-makers are increasingly prone to place politics before the conclusions of scientific or economic research, and they appear confused and reluctant to act in concert.

Abstract: Energy is at the top of most agendas. First acid rain, and now the greenhouse effect have put it there. Today's world worries little about energy security or supply/demand imbalances, although 75 per cent of the world's population currently uses only 25 per cent of energy consumed. The same 75 per cent of the world's population is, however, forecast to use 40 per cent of global energy by the year 2020. Contradiction and confusion over the choice of realistic pathways to energy development are commonplace. The world's energy decision–makers are increasingly prone to place politics before the conclusions of scientific or economic research. Countries have hitherto developed national energy systems. They are now faced with existence in regional and global energy environments in which national isolation is no longer possible, but in which energy co–operation is. Governments have a crucial role to play in setting standards and providing the framework for the energy community. However, they appear confused and reluctant to act in concert. Meanwhile the world's major energy and energy–related problems grow. Increasingly it appears that pressure and persuasion must come from non–governmental institutions to achieve balanced energy development. This must be based on reality and changing attitudes. These same non–governmental institutions must define what are the energy realities - the real options - and the agenda for their achievement. But first the public at large - industry, commerce, government and the media - all need to be properly informed of the issues at stake. They can best achieve this if there is a common basis for discussion and decision.