KARACHI/LAHORE: It has been estimated that by 2030 the world will need 40 to 50 per cent more energy, water and food in tandem with rising demand and increased populations, according to a series of surveys conducted recently.
Tremendous stress will be placed on these vital resources as energy is used to move and treat water; water is required to produce energy and both energy and water are required for the production of food.
Thailand, the Philippines and India top a list of nine Asian countries that say they are very concerned about future energy needs, amid increasing pressure for more energy, water and food to keep up with increased population growth.
The surveys covered 8,446 people in 31 cities and nine regional areas and 80 per cent of their respondents ranked longer-term future energy needs alongside everyday concerns like public education and cost of living as important.
Most survey respondents expect energy shortages and higher energy prices to have a significant impact on their countries. Issues seen as most pertinent are energy shortages in Thailand (91pc) and Pakistan (90pc); higher energy prices in India (91pc) and Singapore (79pc); water shortages in Vietnam (89pc) and food shortages in Indonesia (86pc).
The surveys indicate that Asia is in favour of a mix of future energy sources, with solar energy and natural gas leading the way in many countries. Solar energy is the most desired future energy source across most countries, which include Singapore (86pc), Thailand (83pc) and India (77pc).
Natural gas is cited as the most preferred future energy source in Brunei (87pc) followed by Singapore (52pc), Indonesia (43pc) and India (43pc).
Survey respondents agree that collaboration between the industry, government, and the public, as well as innovation and incentives for cleaner energy, are the most important factors in shaping future energy needs.
In Pakistan over 50pc of 2,000 respondents identified effective government policy as the most important factor in building future energy solutions. Asia’s future energy challenges and the survey findings will be discussed in depth on Thursday at a gathering of thought leaders from business, government, academia and civil society. Some 300 participants will join the event to address the world’s growing water, food and energy challenges. It is held in conjunction with the Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2014 in Manila, Philippines.