Energy and Sustainable Development

Two billion people live (and work) without electricity. Without energy there can be no development. Climate change also has an impact on the least developed countries. It not only affects the environment, but also inflicts social and economic damage, for example in the health sector, in food production and, in particular, in the fishing industry. In 2030, energy demand in the developing countries will outstrip that in the west. In the next twenty years, energy consumption will increase by 60 percent. The aim must be to meet the increased energy demand in a sustainable way that does not harm the environment. For this, innovations and major investments are needed. Doing nothing is the more costly option. There is still a lack of incentive, funding, transparency and competition. We need to get away from coal and its subsidization by the EU. Various regions in China, for example, have reduced CO2 emissions by using natural gas instead of coal. Nuclear energy will continue to play a role and natural gas an increasing role, while biomass has to provide the necessary energy for road transport. Ways must be found to produce less CO2 with increased energy consumption. The oil exporter Norway meets 99 percent of its own energy demand through renewables. A “revolution” and investments in renewables are essential. Non-sustainable behaviour patterns need to be changed. Following the Johannesburg Summit, collaboration between the private and public sectors needs to be intensified. A stronger multilateral system must be in place to support the measures of the Kyoto protocol.