DOCSLIB.ORG

Energy for a Sustainable World

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Energy for a Sustainable World ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD (iiild wi K.\. IM Kulvr'l II. Willum^ W O R L D R t S C) U R C H S INSTITU T L ENERGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE WORLD Jose Goldemberg Thomas B. Johansson Amulya K. N. Reddy Robert H. Williams A book-length version of this study with the same title is being published by Wiley-Eastern, New Delhi, India. n WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE A Center for Policy Research September 1987 Kathleen Courrier Publications Director Hyacinth Billings Production Supervisor Earthscan, Toyota Motor Sales, World Bank, An Exxon Photo, Renew America Project Cover Photo Each World Resources Institute Report represents a timely, scientific treatment of a subject of public concern. WRI takes responsibility for choosing the study topics and guaranteeing its authors and researchers freedom of inquiry. It also solicits and responds to the guidance of advisory panels and expert reviewers. Unless otherwise stated, however, all the interpretation and findings set forth in WRI publications are those of the authors. Copyright © 1987 World Resources Institute. All rights reserved. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 87-050961 ISBN 0-915825-21-X ISSN 0880-2582 Contents The Energy Crisis Revisited 1 IV. Behind the Numbers 35 I. Some Surprises on the Demand Side .... 5 A New Approach 35 Structural Shifts in Industrialized A Quiet Revolution in the Making 5 Market-Oriented Countries 36 Future Possibilities 6 The Growth of the Service Sector.... 36 Relevance to Developing Countries 8 The Growing Importance of Adding It Up 11 Fabrication and Finishing 36 The Structure of Energy Demand in II. A Closer Look at the Energy Problem 17 Developing Countries 41 Energy and Basic Human Needs 43 A Temporary Reprieve for Energy and Employment Oil Consumers 17 Generation 45 Energy and Development 19 Energy for Agriculture 48 The Other Energy Crisis 20 Energy Planning as an Instrument The Hidden Costs of Conventional of Development 49 Energy 22 Opportunities for Using Commercial Global Insecurity and Middle East Energy More Efficiently 49 Oil 22 Space Heating in Industrialized Global Climatic Change and Fossil Countries 51 FuelUse 22 Appliances in Industrialized and Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Developing Countries 55 Nuclear Power 23 Automobiles Around the World 59 Looking Ahead—Reason for Optimism ... 25 Steelmaking and Technological Leapfrogging 67 III. Alternative Energy Futures 27 Case Studies: Sweden and the United States 70 The IIASA/WEC Numbers and Our Sweden 71 Numbers: What They Mean 29 The United States 71 Future Energy Demand 29 Conclusion 72 Future Energy Supplies 31 Energy Use in Developing Countries— A More Hopeful Outlook 33 A Thought Experiment 74 V. Changing the Political Economy of Creating and Maintaining Energy Energy 87 End-Use Data Bases 97 The Role of Markets in End-Use Keeping Score on Conservation Energy Strategies 88 Programs 97 Market Shortcomings 88 Energy and Economic Development 98 The Importance of the Market in Energy Efficiency in the Modern Implementing End-Use Strategies ... 90 Sectors of Developing Countries .... 98 Market Intervention in the Present Energy and Basic Human Needs 99 Political Climate 91 Energy and Employment Promoting More Efficient Use of Generation 100 Commercial Energy 91 Energy for Agriculture 100 Eliminating Energy Supply Political Feasibility 101 Subsidies 91 International Actions 102 Rationalizing Energy Prices 92 Helping Developing Countries Improving the Flow of Information ... 92 Become More Self-Reliant 102 Targeting Energy Performance 92 Coping with Global Problems 105 Stabilizing Consumer Oil Prices 93 Conclusion 108 Promoting Comprehensive Energy Service Delivery 94 Notes 109 Making Capital Available for Energy Efficiency Investments 95 Appendix: A Top-Down Representation of Our Assisting the Poor 95 Bottom-Up Energy Demand Promoting Research and Scenario 113 Development on Energy End-Uses .. 96 Acknowledgments his report presents the major global The authors are indebted to Sam Baldwin, findings of the End-Use Global Energy Deborah Bleviss, Gautam Dutt, Harold T Project (EUGEP), of which the authors Feiveson, Howard Geller, Frank von Hippel, are co-organizers. Results of this project are Roberto Hukai, Eric Larson, Irving Mintzer, presented in more detail in a book of the same Jose Roberto Moreira, Lee Schipper, Robert title being published by Wiley-Eastern, New Socolow, and Peter Steen for fruitful discus- Delhi, India. sions, assistance, and encouragement in the course of research leading to this report, to The authors acknowledge support for the Alan Miller for many discussions and reviews research leading to this publication from the of early drafts that helped shape the presenta- World Resources Institute, the Rockefeller tion of our findings, and to David Sheridan Brothers Fund, the John D. and Catherine T. and Kathy Courrier for their diligent editorial MacArthur Foundation, the Alida and Mark efforts in bringing this manuscript to its final Dayton Charitable Trust, the Energy Research form. Commission of Sweden, the International Labor Organization, the Max and Anna Levin- J.G. son Foundation, the Swedish International T.B.J. Development Authority, and the Macauley and A.K.N.R. Helen Dow Whiting Foundation. R.H.W. in Foreword he 1970s saw nothing less than a revo- get far more bang for the energy buck than lution in energy use in the industrial- anyone dreamed possible before 1973, and far T ized countries. While energy demand more than conventional energy analysis still had grown in lockstep with economic growth suggests today. How much more is, in for decades, the oil price shocks of 1973-74 and essence, the subject of this study. 1978-9 shattered that historical relationship. So profound was the change that between 1973 Building on detailed studies of the energy and 1986 there was no growth in U.S. energy economies of the United States, Sweden, India, use while the economy grew by 30 percent. and Brazil, the EUGEP global energy scenario Comparable declines in the energy intensity of for 2020 suggests a per capita energy use in the the economy occurred in Western Europe and industrialized countries of about half what it Japan. was in 1980 (3.2 kilowatts per person rather than 6.3 kilowatts). Envisioning a widespread This change confounded much conventional shift in the developing world from traditional, energy analysis, and has fostered a new breed inefficiently used non-commercial fuels to of energy analysts who have been studying the modern energy technologies used in high effi- energy problem, not with a primary focus on ciency applications, the EUGEP scenario sees supply, but with detailed analysis of energy an average of 1.3 kilowatts per capita (con- demand. Whereas conventional energy analysts trasted to the present average of 1.0 kilowatts) posed the question: "What mix of energy sup- supporting a living standard up to that of plies can best meet projected demand?" (with Western Europe today. Overall, even with pop- demand based on projected macroeconomic ulation rising to 7 billion, the EUGEP scenario trends), this new breed asked instead: "What portrays a world in which global energy use is actual uses is energy needed for and how can only 10 percent higher than it is today, a stark those needs be most efficiently met?" Foremost contrast to conventional projections which among these "end-use" analysts have been the show an increase of more than 100 percent. authors of this study, an international team of Jose Goldemberg (Brazil), Thomas B. Johansson The EUGEP analysis is neither a projection (Sweden), Amulya K. N. Reddy (India), and nor a policy prescription. It is rather an illustra- Robert H. Williams (U.S.), with whom WRI tion (a rather conservative one in that it has collaborated for several years. employs only commercially available or near- commercial technologies) of what is technically What the EUGEP (End Use Global Energy possible. Nonetheless, its policy implications Project) analysts have found, and actual experi- are profound. Foremost among these is the far ence has demonstrated, is that it is possible to greater flexibility and freedom of maneuver governments have if they must plan for a 10 sidies in promoting inefficient energy use in percent rather than a 100 percent increment in both industrialized and developing countries. energy supply. Instead of having to push on WRI's scientific and policy work on the green- nearly every energy front to meet projected house effect, on the depletion of the earth's demand, the EUGEP message to policymakers ozone shield, and on acid rain, tropospheric is that they can choose. ozone, and other air pollutants, also ties in directly with the recommendations of this The EUGEP scenario described in detail in study on how to satisfy economic goals with- these pages embodies choices that reflect the out running up against severe environmental authors' particular values: limited growth in constraints. the use of nuclear power so as to lower nuclear proliferation risks; a balanced energy supply WRI is pleased to have worked closely with mix to reduce oil imports from the Middle East the EUGEP authors in supporting their work and thereby promote national self-reliance and and in making the results of their research enhanced global security; and, limits in the use available. Their effort is an excellent example of of coal in particular and fossil fuels in general collaborative research at the international level so as to diminish the extent of greenhouse on an issue of global importance. warming and other environmental risks. Both WRI and the EUGEP group wish to ex- To my mind these are good choices. Individ- press their gratitude to the following organiza- ual policymakers may differ in their priorities. tions which generously provided the financial What remains crucial in this work is the support that made this study possible: the demonstration that at or near the present level Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the John D.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • What Is the Most Effective Way to Reduce Population Growth And
    Ariana Shapiro TST BOCES New Visions - Ithaca High School Ithaca, NY Kenya, Factor 17 Slowing Population Growth and Urbanization Through Education, Sustainable Agriculture, and Public Policy Initiatives in Kenya Kenya is a richly varied and unique country. From mountains and plains to lowlands and beaches, the diversity within the 224,961 square miles is remarkable. Nestled on the eastern coast of Africa, Kenya is bordered by Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Indian Ocean. Abundant wildlife and incredible biodiversity make Kenya a favorable tourist attraction, and tourism is the country’s best hard currency earner (BBC). However, tourism only provides jobs for a small segment of the population. 75 percent of Kenyans make their living through agriculture (mostly without using irrigation), on the 8.01 percent of land that is classified as arable (CIA World Factbook). As a result, agricultural activity is very concentrated in the fertile coastal regions and some areas of the highlands. Subsistence farmers grow beans, cassava, potatoes, maize, sorghum, and fruit, and some grow export crops such as tea, coffee, horticulture and pyrethrum (HDR). Overgrazing on the arid plateaus and loss of soil and tree cover in croplands has primed Kenya for recurring droughts followed by floods in the rainy seasons. The increasing environmental degradation has had a profound effect on the people of Kenya by forcing farmers onto smaller plots of land too close to other subsistence farms. Furthermore, inequitable patterns of land ownership and a burgeoning population have influenced many poor farmers to move into urban areas. The rapidity of urbanization has resulted in poorly planned cities that are home to large and unsafe slums.
    [Show full text]
  • SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ROYAL DUTCH SHELL PLC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2011 I Shell Sustainability Report 2011 Introduction
    SUSTAINABILITY REPORT ROYAL DUTCH SHELL PLC SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2011 i Shell Sustainability Report 2011 Introduction CONTENTS ABOUT SHELL INTRODUCTION Shell is a global group of energy and petrochemical companies employing 90,000 people in more than 80 i ABOUT SHELL countries. Our aim is to help meet the energy needs of 1 INTRODUCTION FROM THE CEO society in ways that are economically, environmentally and socially responsible. OUR APPROACH Upstream 2 BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FUTURE Upstream consists of two organisations, Upstream International and Upstream Americas. Upstream searches for and recovers oil 3 SD AND OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY and natural gas, extracts heavy oil from oil sands for conversion 4 SAFETY into synthetic crudes, liqueƂ es natural gas and produces synthetic oil products using gas-to-liquids technology. It often works in joint 5 COMMUNITIES ventures, including those with national oil companies. Upstream 6 CLIMATE CHANGE markets and trades natural gas and electricity in support of its business. Our wind power activities are part of Upstream. Upstream 8 ENVIRONMENT International co-ordinates sustainable development policies and 9 LIVING BY OUR PRINCIPLES social performance across Shell. Downstream OUR ACTIVITIES Downstream manufactures, supplies and markets oil products and 10 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION chemicals worldwide. Our Manufacturing and Supply businesses include reƂ neries, chemical plants and the supply and distribution 11 KEY PROJECTS of feedstocks and products. Marketing sells a range of products 12 DELIVERING ENERGY RESPONSIBLY including fuels, lubricants, bitumen and liqueƂ ed petroleum 12 Natural gas gas for home, transport and industrial use. Chemicals markets 15 The Arctic petrochemicals for industrial customers.
    [Show full text]
  • ENERGY DARWINISM the Evolution of the Energy Industry
    ENERGY DARWINISM The Evolution of the Energy Industry Citi GPS: Global Perspectives & Solutions October 2013 J ason Channell Heath R J ansen Alastair R Syme Sofia Savvantidou Edward L Morse Anthony Yuen Citi is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, operating in all major established and emerging markets. Across these world markets, our employees conduct an ongoing multi-disciplinary global conversation – accessing information, analyzing data, developing insights, and formulating advice for our clients. As our premier thought-leadership product, Citi GPS is designed to help our clients navigate the global economy’s most demanding challenges, identify future themes and trends, and help our clients profit in a fast-changing and interconnected world. Citi GPS accesses the best elements of our global conversation and harvests the thought leadership of a wide range of senior professionals across our firm. This is not a research report and does not constitute advice on investments or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instrument. For more information on Citi GPS, please visit www.citi.com/citigps. Citi GPS: Global Perspectives & Solutions October 2013 Jason Channell is a Director and Global Head of Citi's Alternative Energy and Cleantech equity research team. Throughout his career Jason's research has spanned the energy spectrum of utilities, oil & gas, and alternative energy. He has worked for both buy and sell-side firms, including Goldman Sachs and Fidelity Investments, and has been highly ranked in the Institutional Investor, Extel and Starmine external surveys. His knowledge has led to significant interaction with regulators and policymakers, most notably presenting to members of the US Senate Energy and Finance committees, and to United Nations think-tanks.
    [Show full text]
  • Connecting Genetic Diversity and Threat Mapping to Set Conservation Priorities for Juglans Regia L
    fevo-08-00171 June 19, 2020 Time: 17:54 # 1 ORIGINAL RESEARCH published: 23 June 2020 doi: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00171 Diversity Under Threat: Connecting Genetic Diversity and Threat Mapping to Set Conservation Priorities for Juglans regia L. Populations in Central Asia Hannes Gaisberger1,2*, Sylvain Legay3, Christelle Andre3,4, Judy Loo1, Rashid Azimov5, Sagynbek Aaliev6, Farhod Bobokalonov7, Nurullo Mukhsimov8, Chris Kettle1,9 and Barbara Vinceti1 1 Bioversity International, Rome, Italy, 2 Department of Geoinformatics, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria, 3 Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Belvaux, Luxembourg, 4 New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand, 5 Bioversity International, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 6 Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K. I. Skryabin, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 7 Institute of Horticulture and Vegetable Growing of Tajik Academy Edited by: of Agricultural Sciences, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, 8 Republican Scientific and Production Center of Ornamental Gardening David Jack Coates, and Forestry, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 9 Department of Environmental System Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Australia Central Asia is an important center of diversity for common walnut (Juglans regia L.). Reviewed by: We characterized the genetic diversity of 21 wild and cultivated populations across Bilal Habib, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. A complete threat assessment was performed Wildlife Institute of India,
    [Show full text]
  • Land Degradation and the Australian Agricultural Industry
    LAND DEGRADATION AND THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY Paul Gretton Umme Salma STAFF INFORMATION PAPER 1996 INDUSTRY COMMISSION © Commonwealth of Australia 1996 ISBN This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, the work may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes, subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the source. Reproduction for commercial usage or sale requires prior written permission from the Australian Government Publishing Service. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager, Commonwealth Information Services, AGPS, GPO Box 84, Canberra ACT 2601. Enquiries Paul Gretton Industry Commission PO Box 80 BELCONNEN ACT 2616 Phone: (06) 240 3252 Email: [email protected] The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of the Industry Commission. Forming the Productivity Commission The Federal Government, as part of its broader microeconomic reform agenda, is merging the Bureau of Industry Economics, the Economic Planning Advisory Commission and the Industry Commission to form the Productivity Commission. The three agencies are now co- located in the Treasury portfolio and amalgamation has begun on an administrative basis. While appropriate arrangements are being finalised, the work program of each of the agencies will continue. The relevant legislation will be introduced soon. This report has been produced by the Industry Commission. CONTENTS Abbreviations v Preface vii Overview
    [Show full text]
  • Energy Conservation
    2016 Centre County Planning Opportunities Energy Conservation Centre County Comprehensive Plan — Phase II Implementation Strategies Introduction County-wide In 2003, the Centre County Board of Commissioners Planning adopted a County-wide Comprehensive Plan which included Goals background studies, inventories of existing conditions, goals and recommendations. These recommendations, revised Adopted 2003 and updated, continue to serve as a vision and a general direction for policy and community improvement. Those specific to energy conservation will be discussed here along with implementation strategies to achieve the recom- #1 — Identify, pre- mendations. For more detailed background information serve, enhance and monitor agricultural please refer to the 2003 Comprehensive Plan available on resources. the Centre County Planning and Community Development webpage: #2 — Identify, pre- serve, and monitor http://centrecountypa.gov/index.aspx?nid=212. environmental and Centre County seeks to balance growth, protection of natural resources. resources, investment in compatible new building Small wind turbines like erected #3 — Preserve his- development, and incentives for sustainable development. at the DEP Moshannon Office, toric and cultural Much of this effort includes stewardship, community can help offset electricity costs resources. outreach and expert professional service. to the property. #4 — Ensure decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing in suitable living surroundings, com- patible with the en- vironment for all The Keystone Principles individuals. In 2005, Pennsylvania adopt- Redevelop first #5 — Appropriately ed the “Keystone Principles Provide efficient infrastructure locate and maintain for Growth, Investment and existing and pro- Resource Conservation”, a Concentrate development posed community set of principles that have Increase job opportunities facilities, utilities, focused Pennsylvania on and services for all Foster sustainable businesses reinvestment and reuse of its residents.
    [Show full text]
  • Renewable Energy Profile of OIC Countries
    Renewable Energy Profile of OIC Countries Shaukat Hameed Khan and Muhammad Haris Akram February 2018, COMSTECH. Renewable Energy Profile of OIC Countries Melting glaciers, freak storms, extended periods of drought, extreme precipitations, and stranded polar bears -- the mascots of climate change -- show how quickly and drastically greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) are changing our planet. COMSTECH Series of Reports on Science, Technology, and Innovation in OIC Member States COMSTECH Secretariat, 33-Constitution Avenue, G-5/2, Islamabad-44000, Pakistan Telephone: 92 51 9220681-3, Fax: 92 51 9211115 / 9220265 / 9205264 http://www.comstech.org Brief Notes about the Authors Dr. Shaukat Hameed Khan, started the laser programme in Pakistan in 1969 in the PAEC (Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission), where he was actively engaged in research, teaching and production. His research included atomic and molecular spectroscopy, ultrafast high voltage switching, and design and development of lasers from the UV to the IR. As Visiting Scientist at CERN, Geneva, 1999-2001, he helped design the laser based detector position monitoring system for the CMS system, where 40 Pakistani laser systems are now operational. A Rhodes Scholar, he obtained his BSc and DPhil degrees from Oxford University. He is a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and recipient of the President’s Medal for Pride of Performance. After retiring as Chief Scientist at the PAEC, he worked as Member of the Planning Commission of Pakistan from 2005-08 and was responsible for national programmes in higher education science and technology and industry. He also authored the Vision 2030 foresight exercise in 2007. He has been Rector of GIKI, and was a member of the World Bank team which prepared the National Industrial Policy, 2011 (timelines, costs, and necessary structural reforms).
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter Eight: Energy
    CHAPTER EIGHT: ENERGY NOTE: None of this chapter has been adopted by Thurston County as the joint plan with Olympia for the unincorporated part of the Olympia Growth Area. INTRODUCTION industrial and institutions. A look at the energy uses of each sector provides a picture of where to target energy conservation measures. Each Why have an energy chapter? Society spends a sector presents various degrees of possibilities lot of money on energy. Most of these dollars for local government influence on energy leave town--some even leave the country. This conservation. Understanding the various sectors has contributed to balance-of-payments and their use of energy is key to energy problems, increasing concerns about conservation policies. The transportation and dependence on foreign sources, and economic residential sectors account for 29 percent of the instability. Much of our energy use generates energy consumption in Washington State. pollution and/or relies on nonrenewable sources. Some decrease in energy use in the This is not sustainable. transportation sector can be achieved through local action. However, a reduction in the Though much is beyond our local influence, residential sector energy use seems more within some things can be done. Households (families) our scope of action. And, while commercial, spend a lot on energy. The community is better industrial and institutional uses are considerably off if these dollars can stay in the local economy smaller than transportation or residential uses, and be spent on other goods and services. local efforts can be taken in these sectors to aid Conserving energy conserves money which can the overall picture of energy conservation.
    [Show full text]
  • National Policies and the Role of Communities, Cities and Regions
    CLIMATE CHANGE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY NATIONAL POLICIES AND THE ROLE OF COMMUNITIES, CITIES AND REGIONS A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to the G20 Climate Sustainability Working Group (CSWG) JUNE 2019 © IRENA 2019 Unless otherwise stated, material in this publication may be freely used, shared, copied, reproduced, printed and/or stored, provided that appropriate acknowledgement is given to IRENA as the source and copyright holder. Material in this publication that is attributed to third parties may be subject to separate terms of use and restrictions, and appropriate permissions from these third parties may need to be secured before any use of such material. ISBN: 978-92-9260-136-2 Citation: IRENA (2019), Climate Change and Renewable Energy: National policies and the role of communities, cities and regions (Report to the G20 Climate Sustainability Working Group (CSWG)), International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi. About IRENA The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. www.irena.org Acknowledgements G20 Climate Sustainability Working Group members provided valuable comments and suggestions on this study. The report was prepared by Elisa Asmelash and Ricardo Gorini.
    [Show full text]
  • Overgrazing and Range Degradation in Africa: the Need and the Scope for Government Control of Livestock Numbers
    Overgrazing and Range Degradation in Africa: The Need and the Scope for Government Control of Livestock Numbers Lovell S. Jarvis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics University of California, Davis Paper prepared for presentation at International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA) October 1984 Subsequently published in East Africa Economic Review, Vol. 7, No. 1 (1991) Overgrazing and Range Degradation in Africa: The Need and the Scope For Government Control of Livestock Numbers Lovell S. Jarvis1 Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics University of California, Davis Introduction Livestock production has been an integral part of farming systems for hundreds of years in many regions of Africa, but there is little evidence on the herd size or range conditions in the pre- colonial period. The great rinderpest epidemic, 1889 to 1896, severely reduced the cattle population and the human population dependent on it. Some estimate that herds fell to 10% or less of their previous level (Sinclair, 1979). This caused the emergence of forest and brush and the invasion of tsetse in some regions, which further harmed the remaining pastoralists. Since that epidemic the livestock and human populations in most of Africa have grown substantially. By the 1920's, some European observers suggested that systematic overgrazing and range degradation might be occurring as a result of common range, and argued that an alternate land tenure system or external stocking controls were essential to avoid a serious reduction in production. These assertions - whether motivated by concern for herder welfare or eagerness to take over pastoralist land -- have been made repeatedly in subsequent years.
    [Show full text]
  • Late Quaternary Extinctions on California's
    Flightless ducks, giant mice and pygmy mammoths: Late Quaternary extinctions on California’s Channel Islands Torben C. Rick, Courtney A. Hofman, Todd J. Braje, Jesu´ s E. Maldonado, T. Scott Sillett, Kevin Danchisko and Jon M. Erlandson Abstract Explanations for the extinction of Late Quaternary megafauna are heavily debated, ranging from human overkill to climate change, disease and extraterrestrial impacts. Synthesis and analysis of Late Quaternary animal extinctions on California’s Channel Islands suggest that, despite supporting Native American populations for some 13,000 years, few mammal, bird or other species are known to have gone extinct during the prehistoric human era, and most of these coexisted with humans for several millennia. Our analysis provides insight into the nature and variability of Quaternary extinctions on islands and a broader context for understanding ancient extinctions in North America. Keywords Megafauna; island ecology; human-environmental interactions; overkill; climate change. Downloaded by [Torben C. Rick] at 03:56 22 February 2012 Introduction In earth’s history there have been five mass extinctions – the Ordovician, Devonian, Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous events – characterized by a loss of over 75 per cent of species in a short geological time period (e.g. 2 million years or less: Barnosky et al. 2011). Although not a mass extinction, one of the most heavily debated extinction events is the Late Quaternary extinction of megafauna, when some two-thirds of large terrestrial mammalian genera (444kg) worldwide went extinct (Barnosky et al. 2004). Explanations for this event include climate change, as the planet went from a glacial to interglacial World Archaeology Vol.
    [Show full text]
  • Energy and Poverty the World Needs Far More Electricity to Power Development, Latest Global Energy Study Finds
    ENERGY AND POVERTY THE WORLD NEEDS FAR MORE ELECTRICITY TO POWER DEVELOPMENT, LATEST GLOBAL ENERGY STUDY FINDS he latest edition of the the security of international sea World Energy Outlook, lanes and pipelines. And they Tpublished in September will look anew at ways of diver- 2002 by the International sifying their fuels, as well as the Energy Agency (IEA) of the geographic sources of those Organization for Economic fuels. The OECD Alternative Cooperation and Development Policy Scenario demonstrates (OECD), depicts a future in the strong impact that new which energy use continues to policies to curb energy demand grow inexorably, fossil fuels growth and encourage switch- continue to dominate the ener- ing away from fossil fuels could gy mix and developing coun- have on import dependence. tries fast approach OECD Governments and consumers countries as the largest con- are, nonetheless, likely to con- sumers of commercial energy. tinue accepting a degree of risk The Earth’s energy resources are in return for competitively undoubtedly adequate to meet ployment of new energy tech- priced energy supplies. 24 rising demand for at least the nologies. Both scenarios con- Necessary expansion of pro- next three decades. But the pro- firm the extent of the policy duction and supply capacity jections in this Outlook raise se- challenges facing governments will call for massive investment rious concerns about the securi- around the world. at every link in the energy sup- ty of energy supplies, invest- A key result of the Outlook is ply chain. Investment of almost ment in energy infrastructure, that energy trade will expand $4.2 trillion will be needed for the threat of environmental rapidly.
    [Show full text]