Economic Growth, Energy and Climate Change

摘要: Fossil fuels account for more than three-quarters of global energy consumption with another 10 % or coming from renewable and waste sources that emit carbon dioxide. Energy is projected to grow by some 50 in the next quarter century, majority this CO2. While will play a greater role future, economic development necessarily continue rely on abundant cheap fossil fuels, particularly coal natural gas. In an era where climate change dominates agenda, prospects expanding use CO2-emitting (oil, coal, gas) relying hydroelectric, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass nuclear are examined. Economic policies many jurisdictions combination mandates subsidies reduce overall reliance and/or promote generation electricity sources. Lessons biofuel programs, analysis feed-in tariffs electricity, indicate they not only expensive but generally ineffective. Despite setback caused near meltdown Fukushima power plant, it argued safe alternative other forms energy, that, given rebound effect associated conservation physical limits gas-to-nuclear scenario might be unrealistic future course action.