November 20, 2006—The energy future our world is facing today, based on projections of current trends, is “dirty, insecure, and expensive,” according to Claude Mandil, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA’s “World Energy Outlook 2006” makes that clear in its reference scenario, which shows global energy demand increasing 53 percent by 2030, while global carbon dioxide emissions increase by 55 percent. But the IEA is actually optimistic, pointing out that key government policies and measures could easily put the world on a sustainable energy path.
The IEA’s “alternative policy scenario,” which includes these policies and measures, reduces global energy demand by 10 percent by 2030, causing global carbon dioxide emissions to drop by 16 percent. In developed countries, oil imports and carbon dioxide emissions peak in 2015 and then begin to fall. According to the IEA, improved energy efficiency could yield most of the energy savings, combined with a greater use of renewable energy and nuclear power. “The good news,” says Mr. Mandil, “is that these policies are very cost-effective.”
For more information, visit IEA.
