The energy dependence syndrome.
Two major global problems face mankind in the forthcoming decades. The rapidly increasing populations, especially in developing countries, are already causing social and economic strain in many areas, and the escalating demand for energy at both the individual and collective levels are matters requiring serious global attention. The product of increasing population and increasing energy demand compounds both problems. The origins of both population increase and escalating demand for energy originate behaviourally. That is to say that, theoretically, if the human behaviour underlying these problems could be modified, either voluntarily on an individual basis, or by educational, legislative or correctional means, then these worrying trends could be brought under control. This paper is concerned principally with the underlying behaviours and dynamics of energy usage by human beings as the present trend of ever-increasing consumption which seems to be directionless and illogical is very similar to another group of existing behavioural disorder known as addiction behaviours or dependency. These behaviours have recently received much attention and research and some of the strategies for dealing with them may be of considerable use in modifying and controlling both the per caput and collective use of energy.
Spencer
J
J
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.