Thailand, the Philippines and India top a list of nine Asian countries that are very concerned about future energy needs amid increasing pressure for more energy, water and food to keep up with increased population growth.
In Pakistan, over 50% of 2000 respondents, identified effective government policy as the most important factor in building future energy solutions.
The results emerged from a series of Shell-commissioned future energy surveys in which 80 percent of the respondents ranked longer-term future energy needs alongside everyday concerns like public education and cost of living as important.
The surveys covered 8,446 people in 31 cities and 9 regional areas. These concerns have arisen amid growing energy pressures globally.
By 2030, the world will need 40% to 50% more energy, water and food in tandem with rising demand and increased populations.
Tremendous stress will be placed on these vital resources as energy is used to move and treat water; water is required to produce energy and both energy and water are required in the production of food.
“It is encouraging to know that Asians view future energy needs as high priority, as this region will see one of the fastest growths in population and energy demand,” said Jeremy Bentham, Shell’s Vice President for Global Business Environment.
“More than ever before, the industry, government and public all have a joint responsibility to create a better energy future, and must come together to collaborate and coordinate our efforts to meet these challenges for generations to come.”
Most survey respondents expect energy shortages and higher energy prices to have a significant impact on their countries.
Issues seen as most pertinent are energy shortages in Thailand (91%) and Pakistan (90%), higher energy prices in India (91%) and Singapore (79%), water shortages in Vietnam (89%) and food shortages in Indonesia (86%).
