World Energy Prospects and Stakes - A New Paradigm

To pursue the present path in the development of energy systems would lead to growing insecurity of supply and an unacceptable increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Both climate change (and other environmental hazards) and security of supply would rapidly become formidable obstacles to peace and development if energy consumption follows such an "impossible path". Energy security and environmental constraints converge to offer mankind both a challenge and an opportunity: inventing a new model compatible with sustainable development in order to "meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (...)