Energy Choices

Author: Compilation, with input from Dr Eureta Rosenberg, Claire

( Article Type: Sustainable Development )

In conclusion, to make sure we have sufficient energy in
the future, it is up to all of us to use energy wisely. Much can
be done to reduce our energy consumption. This is within
everyone’s ability and will have a significant impact on the
future quality of our lives. It is the most important thing we
as consumers can do. At the same time, we need to lobby for
energy production with fewer ecological and health impacts
and greater potential to stimulate socially just economic
growth. We need to recognise that the real costs of cheap
energy include acid rain, the health risks of air pollution,
poor water quality, the build-up of long-lived radioactive
wastes, economic inequalities, and widening security
threats. These ‘hidden’ costs are becoming unacceptably
high, leading many to question the traditional ‘build-and grow’
strategies involving fossil and nuclear fuels. Instead,
energy conservation, improved energy efficiency, and a shift
to renewable energy development increasingly represent the
most promising tools for our energy future.