We advise directors of private institutions and governments to take better and more informed decisions in terms of energy, cost awareness and environmental and social repercussions

UNEP Energy is in charge of research about renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation, finance and policies related to energy.

The majority of its work is carried out with partners, including governments, NGOs, academic and research institutes, banks and private enterprise. An important resource for the programme is the Centre of Collaboration within UNEP for energy and the environment.

Financial support for the programme comes from the UNEP Environment Foundation, bilateral donors, the Global Environment Fund and the United Nations Fund.

Energy and the Environment

Every human being living on earth uses some form of energy everyday, and the use of energy is a central factor in our current industrialized society. For this reason, it is not surprising that energy and the environment are intrinsically related. The extraction, transportation and use of primary fuels (mainly fossils) and the generation and transmission of electricity effect the environment on a local, regional and global scale.

An important problem from a global perspective is the release of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect in the form of emissions. Their accumulation in the atmosphere and the changes that this causes to the earth's climate are something that we are still not able to fully comprehend.

To solve the challenges of climate change ultimately means a reduction in the global dependence on fossil fuels or the discovery of ways to isolate greenhouse gases.

In practical terms, a reduction in the use of fossil fuels can only be achieved by improving the efficiency of conventional technologies that are continuously producing and using more renewable energy sources.

The direct and indirect production and consumption of energy has a whole series of local and regional environmental impacts which include:

• Air pollution due to the release of gases and toxics that are released during the burning of fossil fuels
• Acidification of ecosystems as a result of acidic waste and the draining of mines
• Marine pollution and oil spills in fresh water.
• Destruction of habitats by drilling, mining and the construction of dams
• The application and release of pesticides during the forging and maintenance of rights of way
• Noise pollution caused by energy plants and internal combustion motors
• Deforestation as a result of the uncontrolled clearing of forests.

In conclusion, modern energy consumers have a very important overall impact on the environment.

Renewable Energy

DEERB, the Brazil Rural Energy Enterprise Development, is engaging the private sector to deliver affordable energy services based on clean and renewable energy technologies in three states of Northeast Brazil.

IAF, , the Renewable Energy Technology/Energy Efficiency Investment Advisory Facility helps financial institutions evaluate potential renewable energy technology or energy efficiency investments in developing countries and countries with economies in transition (Past Activity).

Energy Policies

ENERGY SUBSIDY REFORM , Workshops on energy subsidy reform and sustainable development. (Workshop held in Santiago, Chile 27-28 March 2001, with an emphasis on the Latin-America region and specific needs of Latin-American countries).

ECONOMICS OF GHG LIMITATIONS . The main objective of the project has been to provide a methodology, an implementing framework and a reporting system which countries can follow in meeting their reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The project coordinated national studies in Argentina, and Ecuador, and regional studies in the Andean Group.

ENERGY POLICY MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE CARIBBEAN . The project is aimed at assisting decision makers in the Caribbean countries to formulate and evaluate their energy policies in achieving sustainable development targets. Anticipated activities include the completion of a specialized guide, the development of case studies in Jamaica and Dominican Republic, and the presentation of training workshops.

SEAF, The Sustainable Energy Advisory Facility is a pilot initiative providing information and technical support for sustainable energy activities in selected developing countries, with a focus on policy changes that support a frame-work for sustainable energy approaches (Past Activity)..