1 - Introduction

Abstract

This chapter discusses the impact of the growth in energy demand on the planet. Many of the crises on the planet arise from the desire to secure supplies of raw materials, particularly energy sources, at low prices. Energy is of crucial importance because it offers the chance to solve other subordinate problems at the same time—for example, water shortage, hunger, environmental and climate protection, information, communication, and mobility. The insurance of a sufficient supply of environmentally friendly energy is one of the biggest challenges today. For science and technology, the greatest challenge of the 21st century is to develop strategies and systems for supplying the increasing population with food, water, and energy. Worldwide, the annual food-production increase is around 1% and the annual population growth rate is 1.7%. Energy crops and biomass in general seem to have, in many instances, much lower external costs than fossil fuels, provided that they are grown and processed in an environmentally sound way. The current methods of energy production, distribution, and use worldwide are the major contributors to environmental problems such as global warming and ecosystem degradation at the local, regional, and global levels. Figures are presented in the chapter to show the urban and rural population status in developing countries, the annual primary energy consumption per capita in various regions of the world, the estimated development of primary energy consumption (PEC), and the energy consumption and calorie supply in different regions of the world.