TWC Lesson 8

Lesson 8 covered the topic of Energy and World change where we explored the various new ways of energy generation (renewable and non-renewable) and how these new technologies might eventually revolutionize the way the world functions. Through the readings, we have a better understanding of the intensity of development of green technology in both developed and developing countries as well as the issues that the world is facing with regards to energy distribution. As countries scramble to solve our problems, there is an important goal that should be kept in mind—“We must work to find a sustainable path that reconciles economic growth, protection of the environment and greater energy equity among people.” – Reading 2

The key drivers of the move toward energy research may be identified as such:

1. Increase in energy consumption worldwide

Especially with the rise of BRIC today, the demand for energy is surging past available supply inflating prices (of oil) and depleting resources at a rate currently unsustainable. However, there seems to be a new focus of these developing countries- to use energy that is not going to create the same problems as they have today i.e. using energy at a sustainable rate using renewable resources. So although these developing countries might seem to be using up more energy to develop their economies, it should be noted that they are actually at the forefront of green technology, investing substantially, in comparison with developed countries.

2. Need for Sustainability

Related to the point above, there is a need for sustainability given the negative impacts that our current use of resources has resulted in. This view extends long-term, where we are looking at securing the future of our descendants. Sustainability might not only be in the realm of energy generation, I think we should also consider economic sustainability to sustain such a development.

3. New technology and Approaches

Renewed interests in using renewable resources as a form of energy source drives research in these areas. Countries are constantly inventing new methods to increase efficiency of energy processing methods and lowering the costs of such methods. Yet, one might question whether these increases in renewable energy innovation is sustainable, would it be more sustainable to concentrate resources in one area instead of many given the limited amount of resources that a country

Problems/ Limitations to these policies:

Infrastructure. Although countries may aspire to work towards a greener environment, implementing green technology into the community, a major limitation lies in whether or not countries have the adequate infrastructure to adjust and cope with such improvements. For example, if countries were to introduce electric cars and the like, these cars would require adequate recharging stations. Countries will have to provide the necessary infrastructure or even the best inventions will not work/ revolutionize the country.

My view is that it would take an initial group of people who fervently believe in green technology to lead the change. As long as there are substitutes for green technology i.e. the usual sources of energy like fossil fuels, people will stick with what they are familiar with, and there is a slim chance of them switching over.