Environment, Health and Safety
Environmental implications of energy consumption need to be considered in all sectors. All stages of energy resources (be it fossil or non-fossil) exploitation, production, conversion, transportation, storage and end-use can have negative impact on the environment.
Health, safety and environmental consequences of energy production and utilisation have become a major concern. For example, hydropower dams construction has led to increased dangers of water borne diseases; uncontrolled use of wood fuel puts pressure on forests and leads to erosion, desertification, and contributes to carbon-dioxide emission.
The combustion of fossil fuels produces significant amount of pollutants including greenhouse gases and particulate.
Further, there are environmental impacts of the construction of transmission lines and pipelines.
On the other hand, renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal have rather small negative environmental impacts. Hence, the production and consumption of energy should not endanger the quality of life of present and future generations.
Application of cleaner production technologies must be encouraged in order to minimise pollution. Energy efficiency should be monitored and promoted in every energy sub-sector and other sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, there is a need to ensure that energy development projects and programmes are subjected to Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and established sound management of impacts of energy development and utilisation.
There is a need to strengthen co-operation in national, regional and international energy programmes aimed at mitigating environmental impacts of energy to ensure the implementation of national obligations under international treaties.
Economic instruments, including the “Polluter Pays Principle” may be applied in environmental management where appropriate.
There is also a need to strengthen the functions of the legislative system in health, safety and environmental protection.
Disaster prevention and response plans and standards should be strengthened for transportation of dangerous commodities.
Furthermore, environmental standards need to be developed in order to ensure protection of the environment, health and safety and compliance to national and international requirements.
Policy Statements on Environment.
54. Promote environmental impact assessment as a requirement for all energy programmes and projects.
55. Promote energy efficiency and conservation as a means towards cleaner production and pollution control measures.
56. Promote development of alternative energy sources including renewable energies and wood fuel end-use efficient technologies to protect woodlands.
57. Promote disaster prevention, response plans, and introduce standards for exploration, production, conversion, transportation, distribution, storage, and fuel end-use.
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