What if we said that we could save 50 percent of the world’s energy demand growth in the next 15 years, simply by using existing efficiency technologies and aggressive energy conservation measures?   But don’t take it from environmentalists – take it from the economists who spent a year analyzing the figures.  The same economists who believe that it will take more than "market forces alone."

In May 2007, the McKinsey Global Institute, an independent private economics research group, released a report laying forth the facts with arresting certainty.  If we continue on our current path unabated, energy demand will have grown 2.2 percent annually to 2020.  We would actually require significantly more energy than we do already – despite existing energy policies.   The report makes clear that the "business-as-usual" increase in energy productivity will not cut it.    At current rates of energy usage, the US  will continue to be the largest emitter of CO2 per capita through 2020.

McKinsey says that what we need is an end to fuel subsidies, which would cut the demand for transportation fuel by 30 million barrels a day.   They also call for a tightening of fuel economy standards – an effort that has been postponed this past week with the squandering of the energy bill in the Senate.  Tighter fuel economy standards would cut petroleum demand by 4 million barrels per day.   Additionally, McKinsey urges the government to lead by example; perform energy audits, quickly retrofitting its buildings , and putting into place long-term strategies to reduce energy consumption.  

The McKinsey report demonstrates that it is actually economically beneficial for society to reduce energy consumption, because the savings will create opportunities for equal or greater investment of capital in renewable technologies.   Additionally, with burgeoning markets for energy in developing countries, the US has the chance to lead in providing energy saving expertise.

The bottom line is that a "concerted global effort to boost energy productivity …..would have spectacular results."   It is unacceptable to demand anything less than what the science demands , the economists urge, and the technology makes possible.

The scientists, the economists, and most American know what needs to happen.  It’s time for some action!