Why is the Current Global Energy System Unsustainable?
Energy is the lifeblood of modern society, powering everything from homes and businesses to
transportation and communication. Yet, the current global energy system is facing a crisis of
sustainability. From finite fossil fuels to skyrocketing greenhouse gas emissions, from price
volatility to devastating environmental degradation, the challenges of the current energy system
are becoming increasingly clear. Moreover, the geopolitical landscape is also changing as major
countries strive to secure their energy futures in a rapidly shifting world. Therefore, it is
imperative to delve into the reasons behind the unsustainability of the current global energy
system and examine why a shift towards a more sustainable energy system is crucial for a better
future.
Today’s energy system relies heavily on oil, coal, and natural gas, which are finite resources that
will eventually run out. The reliance is significant, in fact, more than 80% of current energy
consumption comes from fossil fuels (Ritchie & Roser, 2022). This overreliance on fossil fuels
not only contributes to price volatility but also limits the potential for future energy security. In
addition, geopolitical tensions arising from competition for control of fossil fuel reserves have
become a major concern, with many countries seeking to secure energy supplies through
domestic production or imports from politically stable sources. Furthermore, burning fossil fuels
emits large quantities of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, which contributes to global
warming and climate change (Denchak, 2022). The extraction and burning of fossil fuels also
cause significant environmental damage, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction,
and land degradation. These impacts pose substantial risks to human health, biodiversity, and
ecosystem services, creating unsustainability.
In addition to these challenges, access to energy remains unequal, with large portions of the
world’s population lacking access to essential energy services. China, the United States, and
India use more fossil fuels than the whole world combined; these countries collectively use 54%
of the world’s fossil fuels by weight (Cassidy, 2019). In addition to fossil fuels, primary energy is
used significantly as well. In 2021, China was the world’s greatest user of primary energy,
consuming 157.65 exajoules, followed by the United States (92.97), India (35.43), and Russia
(31.3) (Sönnichsen, 2022). While these countries are prospering and building “renewable”
energy sources, the poorer countries do not have that luxury. This lack of access leads to poverty
and social inequality, hindering the potential for sustainable development and contributing
significantly to energy unsustainability.
The prices of fossil fuels are also subject to fluctuations due to political instability, natural
disasters, and other factors (Melodia & Karlsson, 2022). This price volatility affects the energy
sector and the broader economy, leading to instability and uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions and
disruptions in energy supplies can also cause price spikes, leading to economic and political
instability. The fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels can contribute to the unsustainability of
the energy system by promoting dependence on finite resources, increasing greenhouse gas
emissions, exacerbating inequality, and creating market uncertainty.
In conclusion, the current global energy system is unsustainable due to many interrelated factors,
including overreliance on finite fossil fuels, high greenhouse gas emissions, price volatility,
environmental degradation, and inequality. The geopolitical dynamics and developments in
different major countries are contributing to these challenges and will continue to shape the
energy landscape in the coming years. A shift towards a more sustainable energy system based
on renewable sources is necessary to meet our current and future energy needs without
compromising the planet’s and its people’s health. This shift will require collaboration and
investment from government, industry, and civil society and must be accompanied by policies
and programs to support the transition. We must take action and make the necessary changes to
create a more sustainable and equitable energy system for future generations.