In recent years there has been an encouraging trend in producing a powerful and cost-effective way to get on the path to a sustainable energy future. Greater energy efficiency can reduce the need for investing in energy infrastructure, cut fuel costs, increase competitiveness, and improve consumer welfare. In addition, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, it can be good for the environment. The International Energy Agency estimates that implementing a host of 25 policy recommendations for promoting energy efficiency could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions 8.2 gigatons by 2030 which is equivalent to one-fifth of global energy related carbon dioxide emissions in the Trend Scenario. The recommendations cover policies and technologies for buildings, appliances, transport, and industry as well as end-use applications such as lighting.
This article focuses on recent trends in energy use and carbon dioxide emissions and projections through 2030. There is now a consensus that action is needed to curb the growth in human-made greenhouse-gas emissions. A new post 2012 policy regime on global climate change to be agreed in Copenhagen in late 2009 aims to set a quantified global goal for stabilizing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and to establish robust policy mechanisms that ensure the goal is achieved.
