Conclusion

Energy is a necessity for the normal operation, economic growth, prosperity and security of all countries, large and small, alike. This reality has become especially apparent over the last two centuries, which have been characterized by phenomenal industrial and agrarian growth and extension of services to which the enlargement and sophistication of security forces must be added. All these material achievements have been energy-intensive, leading to an astronomical global demand for energy (12,002.4 million tons of oil equivalent in 2010)1 compared to the rest of human history. Given the crucial role of energy in all countries, particularly those having large and growing economies and/or populations, the quest for energy security has been a major preoccupation of their governments. Indeed, energy has become a key factor in shaping many countries' foreign and defence policies. However, the material gains of the last two centuries have been achieved at a very high price. Human endeavours in this regard have resulted in enormous emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in which the share of CO2 is the largest. The latter's main source has been fossil fuels, which have resulted in degradation of the environment in different ways. Global warming is the single most destructive consequence of mankind's gluttonous energy consumption habits over the past two centuries, whose continuation will challenge the survival of all forms of life on Planet Earth…