The world population is increasing on a daily basis. There are 7.7 billion people on the planet right now and, according to a report published by the United Nations, this figure may exceed 9 billion by 2050. Moreover, it is estimated that the number of people living in urban areas will reach 2.5 billion by 2050, accounting for 68% of the global population. This means that the more people there are, the more energy we will need. “This is the biggest challenge facing us all: more energy, lower emissions”, guarantees Kathrina.
THE INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR ENERGY
According to the Statistical Analysis of Global Energy conducted by BP, the global demand for energy increased by 2.2% in 2017 alone, above the 10-year average of 1.7%. This above-trend growth was driven by greater economic growth in the developed world. Globally speaking, the consumption of natural gas increased by around 3% and production by 4%. The main trigger factor was the demand for gas in China, where consumption rose by over 15%, driven by the government´s environmental policies geared to encouraging people to switch from coal to gas. However, the consumption of coal also increased for the first time since 2013. With regard to cleaner energies, wind and solar power are the most used types across the world.
In accordance with the data, there is a long to go, but the outlook is promising. In the opinion of Kathrina Mannion, it is primarily up to the companies from the energy sector “to help shape the world to ensure it moves in the right direction.” According to this specialist, “the increase in information and knowledge in relation to climate change must be a good thing. Society needs to act and this is why the Paris Agreement is a great way of explaining the size of the challenge to the world.”