An energy crisis, in the broadest sense of the term, refers to the possibility of depleting the non-renewable sources of energy, to the point where people would struggle to afford any energy. These sources of energies, once diminished, might take hundreds of years to refill, if not more. This concern is far spread throughout the world, the way concern over climate change is. However, though the common public is capable of taking measures to help climate change on at least a rudimentary level, the solution for energy crises lies mostly in the hands of the rich and the powerful.
The fuels that we use most recklessly to power our daily lives, which our lives have been designed to revolve around, are distinctly non-renewable. Coal, oils, and gas all have their disadvantages, apart from the obvious, i.e. they are not easily replenished.
Coal is estimated to produce around 40% of the world’s electricity. However, coal plants are known to emit billions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. This, combined with the release of the other greenhouse gases is the primary anthropogenic cause of climate change. Natural gas, though a slightly greener alternative to coal and oil, also comes with its fair share of pollution.
Various causes led to the increasing demand for energy, thereby exploiting the world’s non-renewable resources day in and day out and inadvertently causing energy crisis. Primary factors include:
- Overpopulation: With the population almost quadrupled since the last century, it is safe to say the rise in population has brought about an increase in demand for resources. This rise in demands accompanied by a need for affordable energy solutions, most of which currently come under fossil fuels.
- Overindulgence: With the rise in population, urbanisation has also brought about a rise in electric dependence. People depend on electricity for almost every aspect of their daily lives, and this, in turn, causes a significant drain on energy resources.
- Disinclination to use non-renewable sources: Though the need for energy sources is on the rise, fossil fuels are not our only option. There is a multitude of renewable energy sources. Although they are being explored at the moment, they aren’t truly being utilised to their maximum potential, as most of the major corporations and the authorities who call the shots prefer to invest in what causes the least damage to their pockets, which is coal.
- Wastage of energy: Energy wastage plays a significant role in causing energy crises all around the world. Some of the most common ways in which we waste energy are by leaving the lights on when we exit a room, simply removing devices from the power points instead of switching them off, and not replacing the air filters every few months.
- Miscellaneous: Unpredictable factors such as wars, political feuds, or natural calamities may result in the sudden increase of power usage, which would call for demand in resources and might be challenging to provide for.
Listed above are only a few of the major players, but the list goes on and on. Though the effects of climate change are more noticeable as compared to those of an energy crisis, this is also an equally disastrous phenomenon and must be treated as such. Energy crises are a long-term problem since it is the future generations who will reap the consequences. Thus, to leave behind a world that would still be functional, we must take steps that would ensure sustainability in the times to come.
About The Author: P S Divya is a 19-year old eco-warrior whose passion for sustainability sprang forth when she was 16. When she’s not searching for plastic alternatives, you can find her with a science-fiction book or a guitar in her hand.