Energy

Energy is essential for life. However, the consumption of energy usually causes damage to the environment. Most energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal or gas) to produce electricity or heat.

Technology today enables us to live in the life-style that most of us are use to (e.g. using computers, TVs, cars etc on a daily basis, air travel, importing of food and other goods) but unfortunately this is having a huge impact on the earth. Burning of fossil fuels to produce energy also produces greenhouse gases. Although these gases are essential to make the atmosphere on earth able to support life, too much of them cause the 'greenhouse effect' which results in climate change.

The phrase climate change refers to more extreme weather patterns for example increased temperatures, wetter winters, high winds, torrential rain and flooding. This can have a massive impact on the earth, affecting humans, the environment, plants, animals, ecosystems, agriculture and the economy to name a few.

Reducing our energy wastage is one way to reduce the impact we have on the environment. Alternatively, we can use energy that does not come from the burning of fossil fuels but from renewable sources. Please select the "Energy Efficiency" or "Renewable Energy" link from the left-hand menu to find out more.