With a global growth in the demand for energy, secure and economical energy supplies play a key role in human development. Based on present-day energy supply technology, our knowledge of available resources and the development of new forms of energy, the study develops an assessment of future energy supplies. It takes account of both the economic and - above all - the ethical dimensions involved. Key Features topical issue with potentially explosive political and economic consequences comprehensive multi-facetted and multidisciplinary approaches to solutions