Press Release: Energy, technology and environmental challenges: European research predicts bleak world picture in 2030

In 2030 the world's energy consumption will have doubled; fossil fuels, namely oil, will continue to dominate as energy sources and carbon dioxide emissions will be nearly twice those recorded in 1990, according to research published on 12 May 2003 by the European Commission. The 'World Energy, Technology and Climate Policy Outlook' provides a detailed picture of global challenges in this field expected in less than thirty years. The study puts into question the long-term impact of environmental measures in cutting greenhouse gases and encouraging greater use of renewable sources of energy. Developing countries are expected to have a serious influence on the global energy picture, representing more than 50% of the world's energy demand, as well as a corresponding level of CO2 emissions. In addition, in relation to 1990 figures, the United States' contribution to CO2 emissions will have increased by 50%, compared to an 18% European Union increase.

European Commission: MEMO/03/105: World Energy, Technology, and Climate Policy Outlook (WETO) http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/03/105&format=HTML&rapid=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

European Commission: DG Research: World energy, technology and climate policy outlook (WETO) http://ec.europa.eu/comm/research/energy/pdf/weto_final_report.pdf

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