Energy and Environment

Limited Reserves

Power plant, industries, buildings and motor vehicles rely heavily on fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas. These energy sources are found below the earth's surface, where they were formed over the course of millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. Unfortunately, human activities have resulted in the consumption of these scarce natural resources. Moreover, burning of fossil fuels also result in the pollution of air, water and soil.

Fossil fuels are also unevenly distributed around the world. Although only one-quarter of the world's population resides in developed countries, the energy consumption accounts for three-quarters of total consumption in the world. At the same time, the less developed countries often have to promote economic growth and to cope with high population growth. They are expected to consume more energy. Therefore, global demand for oil will grow by an estimated 50% during the next several decades, while both coal and natural gas consumption are expected to double.

With a projected world population of 10 billion by 2050, the global energy demand will bring about the depletion of the world's fossil fuel reserves, tighten energy supplies and result in high prices of fuels and electricity. For example, oil reserves worldwide is expected to start running out by 2010 - 2020 if we do nothing to reduce consumption. Since supplies are limited and cannot be replaced, these are known as non-renewable energy sources. The real solution is to shift the world's use of fossil fuels to renewable energy, such as bio-fuels, solar and wind.