Life in 2020

Experts warn of return to 'back to basics' living
24 October 2005

Report exposes how burgeoning levels of energy wastage could lead to stark lifestyle changes in as little as 15 years if we don't take action now.

Households in 2020 could be purged of their modern luxuries and forced to revert to simpler standards of living unless action is taken now to reduce escalating levels of carbon dioxide emissions, according to independent research commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust.

A panel of experts have predicted two alternative scenarios for life in 2020 within the report - '2020 Futures: Energy and Waste in an Age of Excess'. The bleaker outlook predicts that without a concerted effort to curb our individual carbon dioxide emissions and create a more sustainable future, the home comforts, timesaving luxuries and freedoms we currently take for granted could become things of the past.

In stark contrast, experts reveal that if we take positive action now to 'green-proof' our homes and create sustainable living spaces that cause minimal damage to the environment, an altogether more optimistic view of the future is within our grasp by 2020.

Strict rationing - similar to post-war rationing of food supplies, our energy use could be heavily rationed, with dedicated time-slots allocated to households to carry out tasks requiring energy use to avoid any wastage Harsh punitive measures - areas in cities and suburbs where energy usage reach critical levels could see stringently forced energy laws and waste directives imposed. Energy Police with the power to issue penalties and fines for excessive energy consumption could be born.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, said; "The bleak picture of life in 2020 can be easily avoided just by taking small measures now to reduce excess levels of carbon emissions - one of the leading contributors to climate change.

"We are optimistic that a step-change in the way we view our energy consumption in the home will see an energy-efficient future emerging, where environmentally hazardous homes are replaced with ecologically friendly ones and consumers recognise their own responsibility to create a sustainable environment for future generations.

"Rather than having to rely on harsher measures to urge consumers to take the issue seriously, we are encouraging people to act now and start saving at least 20% of their carbon dioxide emissions. This target is easily achievable by adopting a mix of simple measures such as improving insulation, turning appliances off standby, installing energy saving lightbulbs and turning the thermostat down by just one degree."

Energy and Waste in an Age of Excess

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