How will successful long-term energy development co-exist with a clean and sustainable environment?

Energy is a key driver of economic progress throughout the world. Developed nations depend on reliable, affordable energy to sustain their economies and increase wealth, while much of the developing world needs energy to meet the basic human needs of its citizens. The World Energy Outlook 2004 estimates that if present trends continue, world energy demand will be up 59% by 2030, with two-thirds of new demand coming from the developing world, and 85% of the demand met by fossil fuels.

Yet the development, transport, and use of energy sources often have a negative impact on the environment. Climate change, air pollution, water pollution and depletion, deforestation, and biodiversity loss are the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, and all are affected by the fuels we use for energy. Meanwhile, every person on the planet is dependent on natural capital, the resources and services our environment provides. We sometimes take it for granted, but this capital is vital for sustainable economic and social progress.

So how can successful long-term energy development co-exist with a clean and sustainable environment?

• What should leadership - political, business and grassroots - do to foster awareness, vision, thoughtful assessment, creativity, political will, and cooperation?
• How should technology be developed and deployed to increase efficiency and reduce the negative impacts of finding, producing and delivering energy?
• How much of a contribution will conservation, technology and alternative energy sources each make to a sustainable environment?
• What is the role of regulation in ensuring that all companies meet minimum public expectations, and where is the balance between not enough regulation and too much?
• What role/responsibility does the consumer have in protecting the environment?