Energy and human activity: Steps toward a sustainable future
The potential for improving energy efficiency is enormous, but exploitation of this resource has slowed in recent years. This is regrettable for several reasons. First, not incorporating higher efficiency now often means passing up opportunities that will be more expensive or even impossible to implement in the future. This is especially true for long-lived capital, such as new buildings. Second, reduced research and development into new efficiency options will make it more difficult to accelerate the pace of efficiency improvements in the future. Finally, the flow of more efficient technologies to the non-OECD countries will be hindered by the slowdown in efficiency improvement in the OECD countries. Well-designed policies can help recapture the momentum that has been lost. Some key steps for stimulating more careful use of energy are: rationalize energy pricing and gradually internalize environmental externalities; improve present energy-using capital; implement energy-efficiency standards or agreements for new products and buildings; encourage higher energy efficiency in new products and buildings; promote international cooperation for R&D technology transfer; adjust policies that encourage energy-intensive activities; and promote population restraint worldwide. 25 refs.
- OSTI ID:
- 138804
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1992; Related Information: Is Part Of Energy efficiency and human activity: Past trends, future prospects; Schipper, L.; Meyers, S.; Howarth, R.B.; Steiner, R.; PB: 391 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FORECASTING
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
EXPLOITATION
CAPITAL
BUILDINGS
OECD
ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
AGREEMENTS
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
SECTORAL ANALYSIS
TRANSPORTATION SECTOR
RESIDENTIAL SECTOR
PRICES
EASTERN EUROPE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
CARBON DIOXIDE
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
COMMERCIALIZATION
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
HUMAN POPULATIONS
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER