©
2004 Greenmedia Publishing Ltd.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been accused
of failing to properly assess the world’s energy trends over the coming
decades in a recent publication, by environmental activists Greenpeace. The
IEA’s ‘World Energy Outlook 2004’ predicts that the global demand for
energy will be 60% higher than they are now, by 2030. The forecast also notes
that with current government policies in place, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
will rise by 60%.
The report also states that fossil fuels and nuclear will provide the bulk of
the world’s energy supply in the next two decades, with renewables remaining
on the periphery.
An ‘alternative’ scenario is cited in the publication, in which a renewable
technology breakthrough could lower emissions by as much as 16%.
"With this report, the IEA sends a dangerous signal to policy makers and
the industry worldwide to continue to massively waste energy, burn fossil fuels
and forget about climate change," said Jan Vande Putte of Greenpeace
International.
"By massively investing in available renewable and efficiency technologies
and ruling out dirty and expensive nuclear and fossil fuels, a genuinely
sustainable energy sector is possible," added Vande Putte.
©
2004 Greenmedia Publishing Ltd.