Less intense

"Increasing energy efficiencyIN WONKISH circles, energy efficiency used to be known as ?the fifth fuel?. Now, most blueprints for tackling climate change assume that saving energy has a big part to play. A recent report by the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that energy efficiency alone could get the world halfway to a greenhouse-gas concentration goal recommended by many scientists. Even though overall energy use is rising as the global economy grows, the world is using less energy to generate output; intensity is falling by 1.5% a year. Price is a big factor. In countries with higher fuel prices, there is more incentive for manufacturers and consumers alike to be more energy efficient. America's energy intensity was falling by a 0.4% until the oil shock of 1973. It is now falling by 2% a year. ..." (2008-5-8)

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