Energy
Energy is used in everything we do, from cooking food and lighting our homes to manufacturing products
and powering car engines. Most of the energy used in the UK depends upon coal, oil, gas and uranium.
These fuels will not only run out one day but they also carry risks for the environment and human safety.
Burning fossil fuels such as coal releases gases which cause climate change and acid rain. Climate change
may present Britain with a future that is a far cry from the idyllic Mediterranean climate some may hope for.
Water shortages are already endangering some of Britains most valuable wild places and a rise in sea level
could lead to increased flooding of low lying areas. The number of weather related disasters has quadrupled
over the last thirty years at huge economic and social cost. Meanwhile at least 100 species have suffered
serious population declines or extinctions as a result of acid rain in the last 100 years
Nuclear power is no alternative. Accidents at nuclear power stations have been widely publicised, but even
under normal operating conditions there are dangers of radiation exposure, especially for workers. Nuclear
power is not only unsafe but expensive. A £40 billion bill in waste management costs alone over the next
century! Whilst the nuclear industry has been heavily subsidised, clean and renewable sources of energy,
such as solar, wind and wave power, have been neglected.
World energy use has doubled in the last 25 years. Much is wasted through inefficient production and use.
Friends of the Earth believes there are ways to meet our energy needs more efficiently and safely, whilst
ensuring protection of our environment.
Friends of the Earth is campaigning to:
. Achieve tough government targets and comprehensive policies on climate change.
. Increase investment opportunities to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency
. Establish safe and responsible radioactive waste management.
. Promote best practice in the development of renewable energy projects, particularly wind power,
and support appropriate projects through the planning process.
Did you know?
. Energy demand for the whole world is forecast to rise by nearly half between 1991-2010.
. 9 out of the ten hottest years on record have occurred since 1983.
. Energy saving light bulbs pay for themselves four times over in saved electricity costs.
. Between 1950 and 1990, the UK spent nearly £17 billion on nuclear power research, and less than
£200 million on research into renewable energy technologies.
. Renewable energy provides about 20% of the world's electricity.
What you can do.
At home:
. Check your loft is properly insulated and that hot water tanks and pipes are lagged.
. Insulate cavity walls to make substantial energy savings.
. Fit draught proofing around doors and windows.
. Fit compact fluorescent bulbs.
. When buying new electrical appliances, choose the most energy efficient models.
At work:
. Ask for an energy audit to be carried out in your workplace.
On the move:
. Cut energy use while travelling - walk, cycle or take public transport wherever possible.
. If you do drive a car, choose a small, energy efficient model.
Further Reading from Friends of the Earth
General
G399 Energy and the Environment 1996, Free Booklet
T415 Power in Balance -Energy Challenges for the 21st century, £6.95 (Discussion Paper)
T275 Take the Heat off the Planet!, How you can really help stop climate change 1993, £3.45
Renewable Energy
L94 Energy Without End, 1991, £7.95 an overview of renewable energy sources.
L313 Planning for Wind Power:Guidelines for project developers and local planners,1995, £4.95
Nuclear Power
L393 Radioactive Waste Disposal at Sellafield UK: Site-selection, Geological and Engineering Problems
August 1996 £10.00 book 520pp ISBN 0852615248
L341 Beyond 'Safe and Economic' November 1994 £8.00 report 50pp ISBN 1857502442
L352 Time to Face the Inevitable December 1994 £10.00 report 72pp ISBN 1857502485
T314 Out of Their Depth June 1994 £12.00 report 74pp ISBN 1 85750 232 9 |
