Foreword to special issue on Renewable energy: Leveraging ocean and waterways Towards energy sustainability—a role for marine renewables

摘要

Though no binding long-term target for greenhouse gas emission reductions were forthcoming at the recent CopenhagenSummit in December 2009, the international community did reach unilateral agreement in recognising the urgent need for action on climate change. By way of example of the steps considered necessary, the UK Government in its Climate Change Act of 2008 set highly ambitious targets for the reduction in CO2 emissions leading up to 2050, when releases must be about one fifth of those made presently (80% reduction from 1990 levels). This reduction will need to be even greater if equity is to be chieved for peoples across the planet such that climate change impacts, in terms oftemperature rise, are to be sufficiently constrained. Whilst control of consumption, in its broadest sense, and living within environmental limits, are the ultimate challenges, sourcing energy from non-fossil fuels is an essential step on the path to a sustainable future for humanity.