[Energy sources. Social and environmental impact and societal models: future perspectives. Part 1: General aspects...

In this paper, the authors discuss energy sources, highlighting their impact on the environment and on human beings, their influence in economy and finance and on relations between governments. They attempt to analyse whether the above factors together can lead to a negative impact on health, defined as an individual's "complete physical social and psychological well being". The role of petroleum in the world economy is understandable if one considers that energy, heat, light, electricity, transportation and large part of mass production are all dependent on this energy resource. From petroleum one obtains fuel, fertilizers, pesticides, plastic, pharmaceutical products and clothing. Petroleum has become increasingly important in conjunction with expanding globalization and consumerism and the continuous growth of demand for petroleum has led to a corresponding decrease in its production and availability and an increase in its cost, all factors which have led to strong tensions between world States. The authors discuss sea and air pollution and global warming, citing some of the most relevant climatic incidents of recent years and tracing the most important events regarding attempts to contain pollution. They highlight the impact of contaminants such as greenhou se gases, electromagnetic pollution, synthetic chemicals, domestic, industrial and electronic waste products, responsible, according to neo-Lamarckian evolutionists, for the increasing incidence of chronic degenerative diseases. In conclusion the authors stress that there is a need to pursue energy efficiency while awaiting that world States succeed in their common objective of adopting new energy policies, with the use of clean energy at low cost.