Energy, environment and sustainable development: A UK perspective

Energy sources of various kinds heat and power human development, but also put at risk the quality and longer-term viability of the biosphere as a res ult of unwanted, 'second order' effects. These side effects give rise to po tential environmental hazards on a local, regional and global scale. Conseq uently balancing economic and social development with environmental protect ion is at the heart of the notion of sustainable development as set out in the London Communique; the 1997 declaration by 18 chemical engineering soci eties from around the world aimed at harnessing their skills to improve the quality of life. In this context, the principles and practice of sustainab ility are examined as they apply to the energy sector. Conflicts between th e moves towards energy market liberalization and the needs of sustainable d evelopment are outlined in the light of recent experience in the United Kin gdom. The likely options for a sustainable energy strategy cue described, a s well as some of the challenges that such approaches would pose for the en gineering profession.