ISSUES OF THE ENVIRONMENT:

 ENERGY CRISIS

Technological advancement can be stated as a result of our increasing ability to harness energy, convert it to useful forms and put to various uses. Energy is a key input in the economic growth. But “the era of easy oil” is over, demand of energy is popping out like never before.

Broadly energy resources can be divided into two forms:-

1. Conventional Sources of Energy: These sources have been formed through a series of processes that lasted over millions of years. Once these fuels are used, they will not be available again and hence are also called as Non Renewable Sources of Energy. This category includes coal, fuelwood, petroleum, natural gas etc.

2. Non Conventional Sources of Energy: This category includes resources that are inexhaustible. They are also called as Renewable Sources of Energy which includes solar energy, wind energy, tidal energy, geothermal energy, biomass, wave energy etc. Among all solar energy has the greatest potential.

A strong correlation between energy use and economic output exists. The more energy one can harness, the more one can produce. The real fact is that, although, 78 % of world’s population lives in developing countries, their energy consumption is only 35 % of world’s total energy consumption.

There has been a rapid rise in energy demand in the past two decades. But the energy supply has not been able to keep pace with the rising demand. The major reasons behind it are:

• Population growth
• Rapid increase in the use of power in agriculture sector.
• Growth in industrial and transportation sector.
• Rise in residential use.

Energy is consumed mostly in the form of electricity. But the peak energy shortage is about 15 % of peak demand. The main reason for this huge gap is population explosion. Commercial energy consumption in the transport sector is growing enormously. A shift from railway to roads, inadequate exploitation of inland water transport, inadequacies with public transportation systems leading to an increase in the use of personal transport have all contributed to the higher rate of growth in energy consumption.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS:

1. Energy saving tips in transport:

·         Use public transport whenever possible.

·         Get your vehicle service regularly.

·         Have a look on keeping petrol consumption down.

2. Tips to save electricity:

·          Use the mains rather than batteries whenever possible.

·         Defrost the refrigerator regularly

·         Install a solar water heater

·         Maximize the use of natural light

·         Don’t open the refrigerator for too long.