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The chapter focuses on the analysis of energy resource balance and the ecological limits on energy resources with special reference to the oil crisis in both the global and the Indian context. It discusses the roles of fossil fuels, nuclear energy, hydro resources, renewables like biomass, bioliquids and other aboitic renewables particularly wind and solar energy resources in providing the energy security for India with some sectorwise details as well as their implications in respect of environmental degradation over the full life cycle of their respective uses. The chapter further discusses the economic effects of the ecological limits as expressed in the forms of resource scarcity and environmental pollution. It then reviews the trend of past energy and carbon efficiency of India and the projections of the same in future as per the study of the expert group of the planning commission and discusses their policy implications

Ending the Fossil Fuel Era means beginning a delegitimization, or reconceptualization and revalorization of fossil fuels or, to be precise, humans’ relations with fossil fuels. The authors argue for a shift from fossil fuels as a constructive substance. To do this, a pragmatic, realist politics of the 21^st Century toward starting to stop is needed. In this chapter, the authors outline the biophysical, cultural, ethical, and material reasons why only mitigating the impacts of carbon, rather than going to its source in the ground is denying the real issues and opportunities for this and the next centuries. They challenge readers to use a politics of imaginative realism to undertake an urgent transition.

This eighth scenario is marked by low energy prices, weak growth, and global harmony. A series of catastrophic natural disasters bring disparate countries together in humanitarian relief efforts ranging from rescuing victims of floods, droughts, earthquake, tsunamis, and fires. These transnational calamities forge a strong international will towards addressing human security above all. The majority of countries, particularly in the developing world, are incapable of dealing with the wave of climate catastrophes and domestic unrest increases. Some of the more able countries take on an adaptive management approach to mitigating crises. The flood of refugees seeking haven in OECD countries increases, placing a burden on their economies, which are already severely stressed by decades of poor economic management. Energy prices stabilize due to the availability of hydrocarbons and slow growth in energy demand in most of the world. An inability to overcome government inefficiency and rent-seeking behaviour combined with growing domestic unrest prevent China and India from reaching the levels of development experienced by OECD countries in the 20th century. With a few exceptions, low demand globally prevents large-scale investment in cleaner energy technology and most countries choose to burn fossil fuels.