Das Ende der Ölzeit

Publication: Book Section
Citation: Lückge, Helen and Markus Knigge 2006: "Das Ende der Ölzeit", in: Volker Hauff and Günther Bachmann (eds.): Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen. Eine Generationenbilanz. München: oekom Verlag, 83-94.

Within industrialised countries, oil is a crucial resource for economic success and social well-being. However, the exploitation of the last reserves of the "black gold" is increasingly leading to wars. At the same time, climate change is making energy efficiency essential. Though people have relied on crude oil since the beginning of the 20th century, this reliance will not be possible in the future.

In this chapter, Helen Lückge and Markus Knigge discuss the coming end of the oil era and how the switch towards alternative energy sources will be possible. In view of present life-styles, which rely heavily on oil use, as well as long term investment cycles, this change will take a long time.

Due to our extensive need of oil, its use already brings along high costs to society which, with declining reserves, will rise considerably in the future. As developing countries such as China and India continue to increase their oil use, experts believe that oil will run out in 2040.

Therefore, increasing energy efficiency is essential and financially appealing for everyone. So far, energy efficient practices such as using building insulation are not utilised enough. Also, energy conservation in larger buildings, e.g. proper ventilation, has great potential and could sometimes reduce energy use by 50%.

Efficient use of oil will not, however, lead to zero-consumption. Therefore, alternative energy needs to be encouraged. Gas and coal encounter the same problems as oil, thus on a long-term basis only an increased use of renewable energy sources will be effective. These sources can not only reduce dependence on the oil, but can also create jobs within the German economy. Driving hybrid vehicles is part of the solution; however, the supply structure is not yet developed enough, and hybrid cars still consume fuel. Breaking away from oil use is only possible if the population as a whole is more receptive to the idea and when each household is motivated to reduce its energy need in line with the idea of "The 2000-Watt-Society".

This chapter by Helen Lückge and Markus Knigge is part of the book, "Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen. Eine Generationenbilanz", which was written next to the project "Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability".

Demographic Change and Sustainability

A Generational Balance

Year 2008

Publication:Book Section

In the future, increases in motorization and traffic capacity will no longer be synonymous with mobility. In particular, inhabitants in rural areas need to consider that short distance public transportation (ÖPNV) will be strongly reduced. The state now anticipates the problem of guaranteeing the public’s general interest in the principle of equal living conditions.

Leben ist Bewegung

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Nature conservation contributes significantly to preserving the natural heritage of Germany. However, conservation has been unable to stop biodiversity loss and the negative effects of intensive land use in such a closely populated country. In this chapter, Rainer Müssner shows how in times of demographic and social change, nature conservation has dangers as well as concrete options as to how to preserve the German cultural landscape.

Naturerbe – Eine Frage der Kultur

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Since 1950 about the same amount of land was taken into usage for settlement and transport as in the entire history in Germany before. Although the population is decreasing, increases in demand for improved living conditions and growing rates of single households will continue land development. While ecological disadvantages of urban sprawl were recognised long ago, there could also appear – under conditions of population decrease – devastating economic and social consequences.

Einsame Landschaften – Blühende Städte

Year 2006

Publication:Book Section

Which effects does climate change have on the infrastructures near coastlines? Who pays for social security programs in the future? Which potential energy sources are still to be used? Trying to ignore the problems behind these questions is not a sustainable solution.

Winchelsea

Year 2006

Project

Contributions to Generational Accounting to Assess Sustainability

Apr 2005 - Mar 2006

Publication:Book

Germany is facing great societal changes. In many regions, Germany’s population is shrinking, and work forces are decreasing. Demographic change is challenging Germany, leading to economic and social shifts and creating new social divisions in many regions and cities. While a growing population has long been understood as a threat to the environment, it is now clear that a shrinking population does not automatically improve the environmental situation. "The Bottom Line", edited by Volker Hauff and Günther Bachmann, with contributions from Ecologic and the Berlin-Institute, examines the assets and debts of Germany’s future inheritance.

Unterm Strich. Erbschaften und Erblasten für das Deutschland von morgen.

Eine Generationenbilanz

Year 2006

Presentation:Chairing

In environmental matters, modern society is living at the cost to future generations. This was the main issue discussed at the Young Leaders Congress 2005 "Ecological Generational Justice into the Constitution", which brought together more than 50 participants from all over Europe and beyond. At the event, Ecologic Fellow Markus Knigge chaired a panel discussion with Karsten Sach, Head of the Division for International Affairs in the German Ministry for the Environment, and Manfred Bergman, Head of the Unit for Evaluation of Transport, Environment and Energy in the European Commission, on where we are in achieving ecological generational justice in Europe.