21. Energy Revolution-Policies for a Sustainable Future

In ‘business as usual’ forecasts for energy consumption, global energy use is projected to increase by around 2 per cent per year in the coming decades. For example, the US Department of Energy projects that world energy demand will increase by 60 per cent between 2000 and 2025; Oil use would increase by 54 per cent, natural gas use by 99 per cent and coal use by 49 per cent in this forecast. Fossil fuels, would therefore account for nearly 88 per cent of total primary energy supply in 2025, up from their 85 per cent share in 2000. A high-growth, fossil fuel-intensive energy future presents major problems and challenges for humanity. These include air pollution, global warming, security risks, resource depletion, high costs and inequity.