Overview
ABSTRACT
Continuously increasing energy demand is resulting in a steadily increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, because most of our primary energy supply is ensured by fossil fuels. The CO2 thus emitted is a greenhouse gas, and is the main cause of global warming. As the energy transition period will be comparatively long, a broad array of different means will have to be used to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. A strong effort is needed, requiring worldwide agreement. The European Union is taking the lead in pursuing this goal.
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Alexandre ROJEY: Energy consultant, former IFPEN Sustainable Development Director - Founder of the IDées think tank
INTRODUCTION
Energy is an essential factor in the economic and social development of our society. It ensures the comfort of life for all, and powers all the technologies of modern society, particularly digital ones. Without energy, a modern city loses its means of communication, signalling, transport and heating, and can no longer function.
The progress made in the twentieth century was achieved through the use of an abundant, flexible and relatively inexpensive form of energy: oil . However, the consumption of fossil fuels has a negative impact on the environment, and the risks involved have become increasingly worrying in recent years.
In the absence of appropriate measures, the greenhouse gas emissions that accompany growing energy consumption risk causing catastrophic climate change for the entire planet, the first effects of which are becoming increasingly perceptible. The need to limit the rise in average global surface temperature calls for an ambitious action plan.
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KEYWORDS
global warming | fossil fuels | greenhouse gas emission | carbon dioxide capture
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Bibliography
Websites
RT 2012 thermal regulations https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/reglementation-thermique-rt2012
European Union climate and energy policy http://ec.europa.eu
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