An interesting question was posed in class this week, “What percentage of energy consumption will renewable energy be by 2050?” The World Wildlife Fund paints an optimistic future with the world entirely powered by renewable sources by 2050.

I have my reservations even as the world is gradually coming to terms with the need to consume more sustainably and efficiently. Countries are primarily focused on economic development and poorer countries even more so. It is highly challenging to expect governments from poorer countries to invest in more costly but sustainable energy technology. Yet ironically, it is easiest to implement renewable energy technologies in the initial phases of development, as opposed to a switch at advanced stages. Appropriate energy-sustainable infrastructure ensures that future developments will also be energy-sustainable. However, it is a hassle and time-consuming for advanced countries to completely switch to renewable energy, by 2050.

Further, politics are at play in this issue. The opulent success of oil conglomerates since historical times such as Rockefeller has signalled the potential of affluence in dabbling with oil. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is committed to unifying petroleum policies of its 12-member countries. An extremely lucrative business as most countries depend on OPEC for energy resources, it is an uphill task to stop relying on oil as a resource. International relations are delicate and must dealt with tact, thus a major stumbling block to achieve 100% reliance on renewable energy by 2050.

It is also important to mobilize the general populace in sustainability efforts. Even if governments are willing to invest in renewable energy, factions of dissidents will question the spending of taxpayers’ finances on renewable energy instead of more pressing bread and butter issues such as unemployment and education. Citizens need to endorse governmental efforts in sustainable energy and see the bigger picture. A myopic view of the future will only hamper the progress to a more sustainable method of energy consumption.

In addition, purely relying on renewable energy is insufficient. Consumers need to adopt energy-saving practices, in order to minimize wastage of resources. Presently, a majority of consumers lack prudence in energy usage, leading to unnecessary and excessive consumption. Even if energy becomes renewable, excessive usage will continue to strain production process, which may lead to problems in future.