Friday 5 November 2010

Asia will become biggest energy consumer

Asia will become biggest energy consumer

Consumptionomics, a new book by Chandran Nair, argues the economies of India, China and Asia in general will need to be helped and encouraged to adopt a more sustainable future otherwise the world could face catastrophic consequences.

The world population is set to rise to 9 billion by 2050 and more and more of them in growing eastern nations will want to live like Americans and the West. That would mean consumption on a huge scale if it follows current patterns of global capitalism.

Nair is the founder of the Global Institute For Tomorrow, an independent social venture think tank and previously ran an environmental counsultancy in Asia. His book says the global recession has meant Asia is being encouraged to consume and spend more to help the West and this is a folly. He says a fundamental change of direction needs to be taken by all governments but the East in particular. If Asia is willing to take on this responsibility, it will help to save the planet whilst reshaping capitalism concludes Nair.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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