Energy Sustainability with a Focus on Environmental Perspectives

Earth Syst Environ. 2021;5(2):217-230. doi: 10.1007/s41748-021-00217-6. Epub 2021 Apr 22.

Abstract

Energy sustainability is a key consideration for anthropogenic activity and the development of societies, and more broadly, civilization. In this article, energy sustainability is described and examined, as are methods and technologies that can help enhance it. As a key component of sustainability, the significance and importance of energy sustainability becomes clear. Requirements to enhance energy sustainability are described, including low environmental and ecological impacts, sustainable energy resources and complementary energy carriers, high efficiencies, and various other factors. The latter are predominantly non-technical, and include living standards, societal acceptability and equity. The outcomes and results are anticipated to inform and educate about energy sustainability, to provide an impetus to greater energy sustainability.

Keywords: Ecology; Economics; Energy; Energy sustainability; Environment; Equity; Resources; Society; Sustainability; Sustainable development.