Leaders from 16 Asian nations have signed the Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security, which promises to reduce the region's dependence on fossil fuels and promote alternative energy sources. Asian countries account for nearly one-third of global energy consumption, a proportion that will likely increase as rapid economic and population growth continue in the region. Greenhouse gas emissions from Asia are also on the rise--the International Energy Association recently predicted that China will surpass the United States as the world's largest emitter before 2010.
Fuel Share as % of Total Energy Consumption in Developing Asia
Source: Energy Information Administration, US Department of Energy
Achieving Energy Security in Asia
Over 90 percent of energy consumed in developing Asia comes from fossil fuels. Although coal is currently the largest contributor, a strong desire to lessen Asia's growing dependence on oil imports from the Middle East was also a major motivator for the Declaration. Asian countries consume 21 percent of the world's oil and produce only 11 percent, making them as dependent on foreign oil as the United States. Reducing this reliance will require increased energy efficiency as well as a transition towards alternative energies such as hydropower, nuclear power, and biofuels like ethanol. Despite a promise to consider these alternatives, the Declaration also concedes that fossil fuels will remain the primary energy source in Asian economies in coming decades.
Global Oil Reserves-to-Production Ratios, 2004
Source: EarthTrends
Addressing Environmental Concerns
The Cebu Declaration promises to implement policies and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and during the summit, Japan pledged $2 billion in aid to improve energy efficiency and adopt clean technologies in Asian countries. However, the Declaration offers no quantifiable targets or goals, causing some to doubt the potential for significant change to occur. In contrast, the European Commission's new energy policy, released last week, promises a 20 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.
RELATED LINKS:
Official Website of the 12th ASEAN Summit: Cebu, Philippines
International Energy Agency (IEA), Asian Oil Outlook and Challenges
EarthTrends
Searchable Database: Energy and Resources
Searchable Database: Climate and Atmosphere
October 2006 Monthly Update: Fossil Fuel Consumption and its Implications
