World energy consumption and resources: an outlook for the rest of the century

Historical data on world energy consumption are discussed with reference to current data on energy resources and general correlations between per capita energy consumption in different countries and their level of social and economic development. A balanced scenario for the energy needs and primary resources consumption mix of the rest of the century is proposed and compared with proved and presumed primary energy reserves. The corresponding carbon dioxide production scenario is compared with global natural carbon exchanges and inventory. Complexity and actual dimensions of the global energy problem are emphasised, to note that out-of-context local energy policies are hardly effective.