ENERGY

Contrary to what one might believe, modern industrial civilization is not the only one built on energy. Long before, mechanical energy (from human and animal muscle power), fuel (from wood), as well as solar energy (which makes plants grow) and wind energy (which powers ships) had already contributed to the rise of great human societies. The difference lies in the astronomical amount of energy consumed since the Second Industrial Revolution. However, this growth has its limits, as highlighted by various crises, including wars, oil shocks, and natural disas- ters. Moreover, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are dramatically warming the planet, posing a crucial question: how can we maintain a prosperous society without destroying the planet? For Veolia, the answer lies in solutions that promote both energy efficiency and the decarbonization of our energy system