The Real Focus is Conservation and Renewable Energy

The world’s #1 energy consumer, should really be the world’s #1 carbon emitter. I think it is less important to determine who consumes the most energy because the real focus should be around ways to conserve and harvest renewable energy.

China and the U.S. are currently the world’s two largest energy consumers and CO2 emitters in the world. However, we have seen a rapid increase in energy consumption trends from developing countries like India, Brazil and Vietnam, with the next surge in demand expected to come from South America and Africa.

There is no question that the citizens of each of these countries have a right to enjoy more access to technology and electronics, all of which will result in higher rates of energy consumption, but the challenge now is this: how do we address the conflict between booming energy demand and a decreasing fossil fuel supply, while at the same time minimizing the negative impacts to the environment?

Some would argue whether it is the responsibility of developing countries or that of already developed nations to harvest clean sources of energy – but neither would make a large enough impact. What we have in front of us is a huge challenge to all human beings. The negative effects of CO2 emissions on the environment will affect all species, not just specific individuals or countries. We are all on the same global warming agenda.

I feel that an international, non-boundary cooperation is critical for developing renewable energy technologies, improving energy efficiency and achieving lower carbon emissions, so as to develop a more sustainable clean-energy industry as well to reduce the levels of carbon emissions going into the atmosphere.

It is imperative that China and the U.S. work together and take the lead in renewable energy investments, technology and implement incentives and policies in order to advance a global clean tech economy while at the same time growing an industry that is good for the planet and everyone on it.