Renewable energy
Renewable energy alternatives in the form of wind, wave, tidal, geothermal, solar, biomass...etc are increasingly becoming available. Such energy supply innovations may go some way to lessen our reliance on non-renewable resources in the future (e.g. coal, oil, gas). However, overall worldwide demand for energy is predicted to double between 2005-2050 (Graus et al. 2011) and this presents a major challenge for the energy sector as a whole.
Used with permission of John MacMillan
For a N. American perspective read the Research Guide for Students on Renewable Energy Resources.
So given this brief overview of some of the key concepts we now need to try and gauge the extent to which the environment can be said to be in crisis at a global level. What evidence might we consider?
The key themes from an environmental perspective tend to focus on:
- Loss of biodiversity, including deforestation;
- Climate Change & Global Warming;
- Agriculture & Food Production/Demand;
- Human Population increase / Land or Habitat Pressure;
- Conservation Vs Development.