Coal,
oil and gas were formed underground over millions
of years. But we've burnt off about half of
what's available in the last hundred years.
If we try to burn off the rest of what's left,
then we could change the world's climate drastically.
The
use of fossil fuels to generate electricity is
a major contributor to emissions of carbon dioxide,
one of the main causes of climate change.
Today
the world obtains three-fifths of its energy from
oil and gas. Oil is being consumed at such a rate
that known reserves will run our this century.
When these reserves are exhausted we will need
to look for new ways to generate power.
The
best sources of energy are those called 'renewable'.
They include the power available from the sun,
from the wind, tides and waves.
At
present, renewables supply only about a fifth
of the world's energy needs. But if they were
developed, renewables could meet all the world's
needs this century.
This
year the Earth summit will take place in South
Africa, 10 years after the first Earth Summit,
to review the world's environment and development.
All the world's leaders are expected to attend.
Governments around the world will be reporting
on a decade of sustainable development initiatives.
Britain
has lead the world in the reduction of green house
emissions and has introduced new legislation requiring
electricity suppliers to get 10% of their electricity
from renewable sources by 2010. By then the UK
Government expects to create a £1 billion
market for renewables. In addition a £260
million support programme has been provided over
the next 3 years.
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