BP Reports Energy Consumption Fell During the Global Downturn

According to energy company BP, the recent global recession led to a decline in overall energy consumption. The company pointed out, in its 2010 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, that the amount of energy used in 2009 was lower than in the previous year.

This now marks the first such decline since back in 1982. This was the year that the economy contracted for the first time since the Second World War. Group managing director at the energy firm, Iain Conn, said that last year’s decline in global energy consumption was rare. BP has data so far in 2010 that energy consumption is back on the rise. The world needs to invest today to be able to deliver the energy supplies that they will need tomorrow.

Of course, despite the overall decline, consumption of renewable energy sources increased last year. This was taking into account all forms of renewable energy, including hydroelectricity. This shows that companies are doing what they can to switch over to renewable resources, and home owners are starting to take an active role in trying to switch over as well.

Global carbon dioxide emissions from energy did fall during this time. This was the first fall since 1998. The fall in carbon dioxide was more than likely related to people driving less and, of course, using less energy.

Experts say that this fall in energy usage was related to the fact that people were trying to save money. People were much more aware of leaving lights on, taking long showers, and saving on gas. They also agree that these are habits that should not just go away now that the economy is starting to pick back up.