THE EARTH SUMMIT - OPPORTUNITY FOR ENERGY REFORM

If continued unchanged, energy use patterns in the developing world will block development, increase debt and accelerate health and environmental damage, including global warming. A policy of energy efficiency and renewables can cut the financial and environmental costs by half and free capital for investment in more productive sectors. The UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), or Earth Summit, offers an opportunity to reform extremely costly and environmentally damaging energy practices. But there is little indication to date that the June conference will result in much needed reform, despite the enormous benefits that would accrue to all nations involved.