As set out in earlier chapters, there are great demands on finite resources and considerable difficulty in satisfying the rising expectations of the materialistic developed world and the desperate developing world. The world faces a growing energy crisis. If demands for energy continue to increase it will either mean the accelerated extraction of non-renewable mineral resources or the imposition of nuclear power, though there is as yet no safe way of disposing of its waste. Both these propositions are opposed by Liberals. We have first and foremost to reduce our demand for energy.
Energy conservation is straightforward in theory but is often complex in practice.
For instance, in terms of narrow economics, some of the schemes for recycling waste materials actually use more energy to convert the items than is required to make them from raw materials. There are, of course, other vital considerations, including the ecological impact of denuding the world of raw materials. Far more research is needed into making products durable and repairable, and designed with recycling and reduction of pollution in mind. Combined heat and power schemes, and district heating projects, need financial encouragement. Index Water Many of the above arguments apply to the use of water.