The scientific and technological advances of the present century have brought about an unprecedented increase in the standard of living of millions of the world’s inhabitants. This has however created new problems that have recently come into prominence. We are acutely aware that the resources of the earth are finite, that we are using them up at an accelerating rate, and that many of our activities are polluting the earth to an unacceptable degree. If we persist along our present course we are heading for an irreversible disaster that will make our present worries pale into insignificance.

These problems are widely debated; books, articles and television programmes tell us about the threats to our fragile earth. Many organisations demand rapid action. It is recognised that the Church has a vital part to play in this debate, and indeed has already made important contributions. In many respects, however, it has failed to rise to the occasion, and does no more than repeat the errors and distortions of the media.

A basic requirement, generally not well understood, is that those who contribute to these debates should have a certain level of understanding of the basic scientific and technological facts. Without this it is almost impossible to say anything useful, and very easy to talk dangerous nonsense. It is thus necessary to begin by a brief summary of the present situation and, with this as a basis, to pass on to wider political and moral questions. It is convenient to begin with the energy crisis, a definite a clear-cut problem that faces us now. We all depend on energy in its various forms, and the amount available to us is directly related to our standard of living. Hundreds of millions of people are now living in the direst poverty because they do not have enough energy. Where are we going to get the energy to give them life, and to support us all in the next century?