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Our choices in global resource management, especially energy and water,
are placing increased stress on many parts of the world: they affect
the habitability of major regions and large cities and the
productivity of a growing world population.
Many issues require attention:
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Access to affordable fossil fuels is likely to become an increasingly severe problem.
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Air and water pollution from fossil fuel use, agricultural practices,
and urban crowding are becoming crucial concerns, to which the risks
of global warming must be added
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A failure to meet the basic human needs of a majority of the global
population suggests that new approaches to economic and social
development are needed.
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However, we do have the potential to act. If we can effectively manage a
structural shift in the global energy landscape, taking into account energy,
environment and development constraints, we have the capacity to ensure
continued access to reliable and affordable energy in the future.
The sooner we act, the greater our potential to avoid a worsening of current
concerns. Action now will speed up the process of bringing equitable solutions
to those in emerging economics who rely on energy supplies to support their
economic and social development. It will also allow us to capitalize on the
goodwill of individuals and governments around the world who are seeking
ways to adjust their energy consumption in order to reduce their negative
impact on the planet.
Until now, no international, non-partisan platform existed to bring
together decision-makers from a range of sectors to develop shared
solutions. The Energy Pact Conference provides this opportunity.
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