Archived press release

Demand for energy not sustainable, IEA warns

7 November 2005

New figures, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) today (Monday 7^th November), show that global emissions of carbon dioxide look set to rise by 52 per cent by 2030 because of growing energy demand [1]. Friends of the Earth said the figures showed the urgent need for international action to tackle climate change by switching to low carbon energy supplies.

In its World Energy Outlook 2005, the International Energy Agency says that carbon dioxide emissions will be 52 per cent higher than today by 2030. The IEA's Deputy Executive Director William C. Ramsay warned that the predicted trends lead to a future "that is not sustainable" and called for action to "get the planet onto a sustainable energy path."

Friends of the Earth International Climate Campaigner Catherine Pearce said:

"The predicted growth in carbon emissions shows the urgent need for countries to switch to clean sustainable energy supplies. Rich developed countries must lead the way by taking action at home, but also by helping to finance low carbon technologies in the developing world. Countries like China will clearly continue to develop rapidly, but we do not have to compromise development in cutting emissions."

Friends of the Earth is urging governments and other key constituencies to overcome the obsolete fossil-based energy system and adopt clear, strong polices towards renewable energy and energy efficiency. The environmental campaign group is also urging the UK Government to start at home by instigating annual targets to cut carbon dioxide emissions on a yearly basis. See www.thebigask.com

Friends of the Earth's International Climate Campaigner Catherine Pearce said:
"Developing renewable energies such as biomass, wind, tidal, solar and photovoltaics will have wide-ranging benefits for the entire global community. They can contribute to security of energy supply, reduce fuel imports and dependency, cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental protection. It's time politicians and decision-makers across the world embraced these technologies for the benefit of us all.

Notes

[1] www.iea.org/Textbase/press/pressdetail.asp?PRESS_REL_ID=163

China's Future Energy Needs (PDF)

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust