Rising sea levels, extremes of weather and more droughts and floods will all destroy the world’s energy systems as global warming picks up its pace, a new report has found.
Energy companies are quite often cited as part of the problems of climate change, generating the lion’s share of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to around 60% of the total. But they will also suffer as global warming worsens.
Many large plants are particularly threatened by floods because they lack protection from sudden storms. Electricity distribution networks are also likely to be affected.
Christoph Frei, secretary general of WEC, said governments must play a key role in ensuring the world’s important infrastructure is protected. Climate change is certain to affect the energy sector. We need powerful policy frameworks to unlock the long-term investments that are urgently needed to deliver the future we want. Leadership will be required at all levels.
Despite efforts to increase energy efficiency, the amount of energy used globally is still set to rise. But the effects of this could be reduced if companies spend more energy on renewable and low-carbon forms of energy.
However, there is little sign so far that energy companies around the world have got this message. Fossil fuels continues to dominate new investment in energy generation capacity, according to the International Energy Agency. Besides, we have failed in creating a global price for carbon emissions, which could help to reverse this trend.
Another key focus must be energy distribution networks, according to the report, as new technology can be used to make them “smart”, saving energy by distributing energy from generators to users in more intelligent ways.
“The time has come to get real about the challenges facing the energy sector,” Frei said.
Philipes Joubert, executive chairman of WEC’s global electricity initiative and former president of Alstom Power, said large companies are taking note. “Leading businesses in this sector are increasingly realising that business as usual is no longer acceptable.”
4. The energy companies are also sufferers because _________.
A.they are responsible for climate change |
B.their greenhouse gas emissions make up 60% of the total |
C.some sudden natural disasters have a great effect on them |
D.the government provides no protection for them |
5. What is the author’s attitude towards the present energy systems?
A.Positive. | B.Concerned. | C.Optimistic. | D.Uncertain. |
6. What can be the best title for this passage?
A.Energy Companies Are to Blame for Their Behaviours |
B.Renewable and Low-carbon Forms of Energy Will Be a Trend |
C.Energy Distribution Networks Must Be Smarter |
D.The World’s Energy Systems Suffer from Climate Change |