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Can we close Earth's sustainability gap?

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  • Weijermars, Ruud

Abstract

The principal options for engineering Earth's ecological future can be concisely visualized in a conceptual dilemma matrix. Scaling of the matrix with real world data confirms the widening of Earth's sustainability gap, due to our increasing ecological footprint. The simplicity of the dilemma matrix articulated here may help to focus the debate at future Global Summits and World Future Energy Summits on the critical scenario options. Geoscientists and engineers at energy companies share a major responsibility with many societal actors in setting the right example, particularly in searching for sustainable energy solutions. One view is that technology can help solve all issues. Another view is that nature is needed for sustainable ecosystem services. A most pessimistic view is based on analogy of human behavior with that of ants – eusocial groups like ourselves. Ant wars for access to limited resources warn us for a future where scarcity of resources may force us to resort to brutal, competitive behavior – rather than civilized diplomacy. Options to avoid such an outcome are outlined in this study.

Suggested Citation

  • Weijermars, Ruud, 2011. "Can we close Earth's sustainability gap?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 15(9), pages 4667-4672.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:15:y:2011:i:9:p:4667-4672
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.085
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    1. Undp, 2009. "HDR 2009 - Overcoming barriers: Human mobility and development," Human Development Report (1990 to present), Human Development Report Office (HDRO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), number hdr2009, September.
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    1. Weijermars, R. & Sun, Z., 2018. "Regression analysis of historic oil prices: A basis for future mean reversion price scenarios," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 177-201.
    2. Weijermars, Ruud, 2015. "Shale gas technology innovation rate impact on economic Base Case – Scenario model benchmarks," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 398-407.

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