The global energy challenge

A stable and sustainable energy supply is one of the major issues of this Century. World-energy demand is expected to increase by about 70% in the coming 20 years, while the production of petroleum   - our main source of energy - is likely to peak in this period. The combination of rising demand and declining production of conventional oil raises the question: What is the plan? In the absence of a plan for a sustainable energy supply, coal and non-conventional oil are likely to become the main source of energy. These energy sources lead to much higher CO2 emissions per unit energy than the sources currently used. Combined with the expected increase in energy use, this aggravates global warming. We face the challenge to develop a strategy to develop a sustainable energy system with acceptable environmental impact. In his presentation Professor Snieder will give examples what one can do as a teacher, student, consumer, businessman and as a citizen to make progress towards a more sustainable energy system.