User:Clayoquot/Nov2

Energy is sustainable if it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability issues in the current energy system include high emissions of greenhouse gases, air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass, and pervasive energy poverty in developing countries. The scientific literature on limiting global warming describes pathways in which the world rapidly phases out coal-fired power plants, produces more electricity from clean sources such as wind and solar, shifts towards using electricity instead of fuels in sectors such as transport and heating buildings, and takes measures to conserve energy. These changes would involve a system-wide transformation of the way energy is produced, stored, distributed, and consumed. Decarbonization of the energy system would bring major co-benefits to human health and can be done in concert with providing universal access to electricity and to clean cooking.