Balance Between Energy Security and Mitigation Responses

Abstract

In this chapter, the author examines a balanced approach how to accomplish the three targets of economic development, energy security, and climate protection. First, the author analyzes why the amount of global energy-related CO₂ emissions continues to increase even after the UNFCCC agreement, and shows the largest cause for such increase. Second, the author evaluates merits and demerits of each energy source from the standpoint of the four factors of supply security, economic cost, CO₂ emission, and public acceptance. In doing so, the author argues how the energy mix in major consuming countries reflects respective stages of economic development, conditions of indigenous resource endowment, as well as the level of public awareness concerning environmental issues including climate change. Third, the author emphasizes the importance of enhancing international cooperation with emerging economies such as China and India in the area of energy efficiency, low-carbon technology, or nuclear safety.