Sustainability a Must as Energy Consumption Rises

By 2050, the United Nations forecast that 66% of the world’s population will live in urban areas, with India and China expected to see the fastest rates of change. This shift to city living has enormous implications for all of us. Research by the Abu Dhabi-headquartered International Renewable Energy Agency suggests that cities account for 65% of global energy use and generate up to 70% of man-made carbon emissions. 

The National reports that as cities grow in number and size, so will their need for power and water, and their subsequent emissions. "Given that the World Energy Council has that forecast energy consumption will rise by 46%  by 2060, with growth in the Middle East region expected to be higher than the global average, it is important that government, business and consumers alike take a holistic approach to sustainably manage this growing energy demand," the publication says. 

The complex nature of these large infrastructure projects demonstrates how the development of a world-leading energy sector is a key part of the United Arab Emirates' strategy to diversify and drive the development of its knowledge economy, and deliver sustainable energy sources.