ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews strategies and devise a plan for reducing energy use and for choosing the optimal mix of energy sources. A sustainable energy plan would reduce the use of nonrenewable fossil fuels, especially conventional coal. The challenge presented to developed countries is how to become more sustainable by decreasing their dependence on nonrenewable energy sources while maintaining high standards of living. The primary objective of a sustainable energy plan must be to reduce the environmental impacts of energy use, most importantly by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate anthropogenic climate change. Climate impacts can be reduced by changing mode of transportation. Electric cars have lower environmental impact during the use phase because they are more energy-efficient than conventional cars, and therefore have lower environmental impact over the entire life cycle. Pro-environmental behavior can be influenced by messages about social norms. The transition to a renewable energy system in United States will require construction of a new, national electric grid.
