ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS: THE SEARCH FOR COMPATIBILITY.

Abstract

An overview of the major energy activities is presented, in which the authors assess the anticipated ecological risks and uncertainties associated with each energy source and discuss what is known about the human consequences of ecological degradation from energy activities. This overview is followed by a critique of methods of assessment used in ecosystem impact research. Problems of measuring stresses on ecosystems, of prediction of ecological responses to these stresses, and of valuation of goods and services provided by undisrupted ecosystems are discussed. A final section takes a critical look at a number of proposals that have been generated recently to restructure energy policy along untraditional lines, and assesses the ecological gains and losses that might result if these proposals are accepted.