Efficient use of fossil fuels must be a global priority

Energy is important to any developing economy, and in the Gulf, it is even more critical given the region’s reliance on power-hungry desalination plants to meet its water demands.

For generations, the world’s key source of energy has been fossil fuels, which are increasingly blamed for various ills, such as climate change and environmental damage resulting from spillage. However, the world is still shying away from nuclear power following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and alternative energy will still require massive investment and innovation before it can be relied on as a sustainable resource. Fossil fuels will remain our primary source of energy in the foreseeable future.

This means the countries around the world need to focus more than ever on the efficient use of fossil fuels. Modern technology could cut CO2 emissions by 30 per cent, and replacing existing coal plants with gas power could cut another 30 per cent. Using the appropriate fuel — such as natural gas instead of heavy crude — to generate electricity would also cut down on the environmental impact.

The use of fossil fuels may be unavoidable, but their effect on the environment is not.