Sustainable development: energy matters

Abstract

The lecture deals with the role of energy in sustainable development of human society, and related energy issues. Social, cultural and technological development of human society is intertwined with the discovery and development of energy sources. The journey of development began over a million years ago with the discovery of fire which continues unabated even today needing ever more energy to fuel the inflationary cycle of development. In the first part of the lecture the role of energy in development is reviewed in relation to the development of energy sources and their use. In the second part of the lecture energy consumption for various regions of the world is analyzed and energy indicators of development are identified. Vast disparity between the developed and developing countries is reflected in their energy consumption patterns. As developing countries strive to join the ranks of developed countries, the developed ones endeavor not only to sustain their development but also to achieve higher levels of the quality of life for their people. This together with the growing population has led to an ever increasing consumption of energy which at present is supplied by non-renewable sources, predominantly fossil fuels. This in turn has led to degradation of our atmosphere, land and water. The third part of the lecture emphasizes on the need to develop new and renewable sources of clean energy which shall have the potential to sustainably supply the energy needs of future while preserving our environment. The concluding section of the lecture focuses on energy sustainability and security for the generations to come.