Energy efficiency may help derail climate change
November 1, 2012Climate change may be mitigated through energy efficiency
Climate change is often a controversial subject, especially in the world of politics. The concept is gaining more attention, despite this controversy, as more focus is being put on the use of alternative energy. Both alternative energy and climate change are often tied together. As such, interest in one field often provokes interest in the other. With many countries around the world showing more support for alternative energy, they have also begun taking ways to mitigate the impact of climate change into consideration.
Report highlights benefits of energy efficiency
A new report from the Tyndall Center for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia highlights energy efficiency as the best way to mitigate the effects of climate change. Energy efficiency is often marketed as a strategy to cut down on the costs of energy consumption and typically embodies practices such as turning off a light in an unused room. The report notes that there are grander schemes afoot in the world concerning energy efficiency, and that most of the progress is being made by public institutions, small government policies, and growing interest in energy production technology.
Efforts to boost supply outweigh those concerning efficiency
The report suggests that approximately two-thirds of all public innovation are focused on bolstering the supply of alternative energy. Researchers suggest that this has created an imbalance in terms of energy availability and promotes mass consumption. As the supply of energy grows, consumers feel less inclined to moderate their use, thus leading to massive consumption problems that could derails alternative energy initiatives. The report suggests that public efforts should be realigned to take energy efficiency into consideration.
Energy efficiency could have benefits that extend beyond climate change mitigation
By boosting energy efficiency, the supply of energy is not expected to be a problem. As consumers make better use of electricity and new, more efficient technologies are introduced, supply will begin to outpace demand in short order. Researchers suggest that even a modestly aggressive focus on energy efficiency could have several benefits. Among these benefits are the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, broadened energy security, and the opportunity for technological progress in the realm of alternative energy.