Energy Use and Sustainability

The Unplugged Kitchen at the Ubuntu Village carried through the theme of sustainability by showing can-do initiative - using used cooldrink cans to create walls. World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, August/September 2002, Republic of South Africa.

The Unplugged Kitchen at the Ubuntu Village carried through the theme of sustainability by showing can-do initiative - taking used drink cans to create walls. World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, August/September 2002, Republic of South Africa.
© WWF-Canon / Chris Marais

Anything that does not finish or exhaust itself if used is said to be sustainable. In conservation terms, sustainability refers to the ability to meet our needs using natural resources without exhausting them.

This will ensure that natural systems on Earth are left intact for future generations.

Our planet's resources can be divided into renewable and non-renewable. The terms are self-explanatory. It stands to reason that we need to be careful in our use of non-renewable resources as they will either finish or take a very, very long time to regenerate.

In contrast, renewable resources, like wind for example, are limitless in their availability, and therefore it makes sense to develop technologies that will enable us to use more and more of them.

Out with the old, in with the new
Coal, petroleum, minerals and natural gas are some examples of non-renewable energy sources. Wind, solar, hydro and geothermal are some examples of renewable ones.

For many years people assumed that natural resources would last for ever. Sustainable development wasn’t even considered. As resources have depleted rapidly, we now need to find alternatives to fossil fuels and cut down on our energy use.

Therefore, conservation efforts focus on sustainable development, especially through more thoughtful energy use. A constantly regenerating resource will not be depleted and it will continue to benefit populations today and in the future.

Global warming
The Earth's atmosphere is like a greenhouse. It allows heat from the sun to pass in, but does not allow it to escape easily. This happens because of the presence of certain gases in the atmosphere - what we call greenhouse gases, the most significant being carbon dioxide. This causes a slight rise in temperature, creating very finely balanced conditions that are required for the existence of life.

However, when we use fossil fuels for energy, their burning releases too much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, upsetting this balance. It results in the trapping of more and more heat, and consequently a rise in global temperature.

This could potentially result in disaster, with melting icecaps flooding low-lying areas of the planet, wrecking habitats and upsetting ecosystems.

The future?
Scientists and conservationists advocate not just cutting down on energy use, but also exploring new and sustainable resources. Sustainability includes the ability to develop technologies to use resources properly. This will require financial, institutional and political support.

Conservation organisations have taken up the challenge and their efforts are bearing fruit. More and more politicians are recognising the importance of sustainable energy and there are increases in the use of green electricity and solar energy. More and more individuals and corporations are recognising that sustainable development is key to our survival.

Resources