Global climate change: Little steps towards a new energy policy?

Absztrakt

It is almost impossible to find any issue today – political, economic or social – where climate change does not play a part. We hear about it on a daily basis, mostly in a negative context. However, we hear less about the origins of this phenomenon, and about the consequences, which will affect every inhabitant of the Earth. Because the change is slow and gradual, we tend not to sense the
obvious signs. However, our Earth is already sending distress signals. In the first part of this study, climate change and its potential effects are presented. Then the international efforts are discussed. In my opinion, the different international and global agreements are not able to stop the negative consequences of climate change. The only way to reverse the expected outcomes
is to cut down on greenhouse-gas emissions, and to start a new energy policy, where renewables have a determinative role. In the second part of the study Hungary is in focus. It can be established that there are positive changes, “little steps” in the direction of using alternative energy sources. But these examples are rather isolated and individual initiatives. The study determines the push and
pull factors of this issue, namely the success factors and the obstacles regarding the use of renewable energy in Hungary.