This article stresses on the need to conserve energy from the point of view of three major energy usage sectors—agricultural, industrial and residential sector. The two main energy sources used in the agricultural sector are electricity and oil. These energy sources have allowed for many laborious tasks on the farm to be handled by machinery. With increased mechanization of agricultural operations, energy consumption in the agricultural sector has also been on the rise. Since the industrial sector is a major energy consuming sector in a country, conservation of energy in industries has been a priority for the governments in many countries. Experience proves that application of energy saving technologies in industrial production is helpful in improving industrial productivity and sustaining high rates of economic growth. The common energy sources used in a household are electricity, liquid petroleum gas, kerosene and coal. The availability of all these forms of energy sources are limited, a shortage in the supply of which would inevitably have adverse consequences. Hence, it is the duty of every socially responsible individual to conserve energy.
The
demand for energy has gone up phenomenally over the years and is expected to reach
unimaginable proportions in the future. This is due to population explosion and
improvement in the living standards around the globe. However, the supply of energy
sources—especially non-renewable energy resources—is limited. In addition,
there are concerns raised over the adverse impacts of the indiscriminate use of
energy on the environment such as the greenhouse effect, acid rain, deforestation,
and shift in climatic conditions. All this has made conservation of energy an
absolute necessity. Adoption of energy conservation measures bestows various benefits.
It could reduce energy demand and environmental pollution and increase productivity
and economic competitiveness. The pressure to increase the supply of energy will
be lessened if the societal demand for energy could be reduced. |
