Using Energy Wisely

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in England in the 1750s, societies have changed at a rapidly increasing pace. Previously, most people had made most of their own goods, and had used human, animal and, occasionally, water energy when needed. After 1750 more people moved to urban centres to work, especially in jobs manufacturing goods. The factories that made those goods used machines that required large amounts of energy, mostly produced from burning coal. After the development of the internal combustion engine in the 1860s, cars became more widely used and consumption of petrol gradually increased. Lifestyles came to depend on a high consumption of fossil fuels.

Almost everything that we require to fulfill our needs in a modern society requires the use of the earth's resources - that is land, water and energy. However, this lifestyle has become unsustainable (that is, it cannot continue in the long term). This is because the increased use of these resources is causing environmental problems around the world. And without a satisfactory environment to live in, humans and other animals cannot live healthy lives.

Fortunately, we can all do something positive now, to ensure the standard of living will not only be maintained, but will improve. By using energy and other resources wisely now, we can produce environmental, social and economic benefits for all.

To do this, we need to understand the philosophy of ESD, or Ecologically Sustainable Development. 'Development' means that there are improvements in the standard of living for all people. 'Ecologically sustainable' means that any development must take account of ecological processes in the natural environment in such a way that the environment is not harmed, and future generations can use environmental resources to meet their needs. Built into this definition is the understanding that development will be economically efficient, socially just and will respect cultural heritage.

Energy use is not the only thing to consider. We need to develop better ways of farming and caring for waterways. However, increased consumption of energy has caused environmental damage, and this also needs attention. This damage has come from an accumulation of small acts over a long period. If each individual takes responsibility for their own small acts of using energy, together we can all make a difference.

Wise energy use will require people to value certain things and act in certain ways.

• We must understand ecological processes and the interconnections in nature.
• We must 'think globally but act locally' as responsible energy users.
• We need to take the long-term view and think about the consequences of what we do.
• We must look for alternative ways to meet human needs: sustainable ways.
• We must not forget the connections between the environmental, social and economic factors involved in development.

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