Energy realities

Key points from expert talk

• Energy use is a fundamental driver of the polycrisis. Rapid growth in global energy consumption has led to increasing resource extraction, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making energy central to addressing climate and environmental challenges.
• Renewable energy is growing, but fossil fuels continue to expand. Despite rapid growth in solar and wind power, global fossil fuel consumption continues to increase, meaning the current energy transition is adding renewables rather than replacing fossil fuels.
• Transport is New Zealand’s biggest energy challenge. Although electricity generation is largely renewable, around 70% of New Zealand’s total energy still comes from fossil fuels, most of it oil used for transport.
• Reducing transport emissions requires both technological and behavioural change. Expanding walking, cycling, public transport and electric vehicles is important, but long-term progress also depends on changing infrastructure, planning and social expectations around travel.
• Strong public policy can accelerate the energy transition. The example of the Zero Carbon Act is evidence that legislative direction and political leadership can stimulate investment, reduce fossil fuel use and shift wider social and economic behaviour.
• While new technology offers a solution in some cases, this must be accompanied by efforts to reduce demand. In aviation, for example, technological alternatives remain uncertain and reducing demand for air travel will be essential to reducing emissions.
• Lower energy use does not necessarily mean lower living standards. Research suggests that healthy, comfortable lives can be supported with much lower energy consumption through efficient buildings, renewable electricity, public transport and reduced waste.
• Phasing out fossil fuels should remain the central objective. Expanding renewable energy is not enough on its own; governments and society must also actively replace coal, oil and gas and associated technologies, while addressing high-emitting sectors such as aviation.