Sustainable Development - MONETWhat is the impact of resource flows and financial flows? - Energy dependency
Significance of the indicator
In sustainable development, energy plays a key role with respect to the consumption of resources (principles 2a, 16b), the environmental burden (principles 12a, 16b, 17a), international trading interests (principle 14a) and geopolitical strategies (principle 6b).
In sustainable development, the consumption of non-renewable resources should be kept below the development potential of renewable resources. Pollution of the environment with degradable waste and pollutants should be minimised. Switzerland is currently heavily dependent on non-renewable resources from abroad. Because fossil energy resources are limited, the growing global demand for energy carries with it a potential for crisis and conflict.
The indicator shows gross energy imports (import surplus of energy carriers and nuclear fuels) as well as domestic production of primary energy. It underscores the relationship between domestically produced and imported energy and consequently Switzerland’s dependence on the importation of energy.
Relevant sustainable development principles: 2a Meeting needs, 6b Promoting peace and democracy, 12a Ecologically acceptable production, 12b Ecologically and socially acceptable consumption, 14a Environmentally and socially acceptable world trade, 16b Limits for consumption of non-renewable resources, 17a Limits for degradable waste and toxins
In sustainable development, energy plays a key role with respect to the consumption of resources (principles 2a, 16b), the environmental burden (principles 12a, 16b, 17a), international trading interests (principle 14a) and geopolitical strategies (principle 6b).
In sustainable development, the consumption of non-renewable resources should be kept below the development potential of renewable resources. Pollution of the environment with degradable waste and pollutants should be minimised. Switzerland is currently heavily dependent on non-renewable resources from abroad. Because fossil energy resources are limited, the growing global demand for energy carries with it a potential for crisis and conflict.
The indicator shows gross energy imports (import surplus of energy carriers and nuclear fuels) as well as domestic production of primary energy. It underscores the relationship between domestically produced and imported energy and consequently Switzerland’s dependence on the importation of energy.
Relevant sustainable development principles: 2a Meeting needs, 6b Promoting peace and democracy, 12a Ecologically acceptable production, 12b Ecologically and socially acceptable consumption, 14a Environmentally and socially acceptable world trade, 16b Limits for consumption of non-renewable resources, 17a Limits for degradable waste and toxins
Commentary
The Swiss energy imports have grown in recent years. Consequently, Switzerland’s energy dependence on other countries is substantial: approximately 80% of energy requirements are met through imports consisting of fossil and nuclear fuels which are non-renewable energy sources. Hydropower is the most important domestic supplier of energy. Although the energy sector takes measures to increase efficiency, the energy savings that result from them are time and again offset by the growing overall energy consumption.
Sources: SFOE: Swiss overall energy statistics
Additional information:
See also:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
Last updated: 29.01.2010