Perspectives on Energy, Resources, and Sustainability

Abstract

National economies exhibit a strong linkage to the availability of affordable energy. Their growth usually is fed by aspirations for an improved standard of living, and it often relies on exploitation of natural resources. The linkage between global climate change and combustion of fossil fuels may be controversial, but the potential of environmental consequences sets an important boundary condition on future courses of action. It is therefore essential that we accelerate research leading to new methodologies for utilizing fossil fuels, identifying and developing new or alternative sources of energy, and improving the way natural resources are integrated into the goods and services essential for economic development. Displacement of non-renewable resources with those that can be renewed is desired, but the full impact of such a change is not clear. In this presentation, the magnitude of the demand for energy will be interpreted in terms of available resources and sustainability. Risks associated with various courses of action to meet that demand will be described.