Efficiency does not solve the problem, says Shell

"The best way to use energy is not to use it" said Gert Jan Kramer, Shell Global Solutions, in the opening session of the Eco-Efficiency Conference.

He outlined three 'hard truths', looking at the future until 2050:

1. surge in energy demand

2. supply will struggle to keep up

3. environmental stresses are increasing: not only climate change, and not only for fossil fuels

His conclusion: efficiency gains will not do the trick. New? No, Jevons' Paradox said so in ... 1862!!