Adviser sees global shortage of energy

LONDON -- The International Energy Agency called on governments to curb growth in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions as it warned yesterday that the world's energy supply is rapidly running out.

The IEA said global energy needs will surge by 53 percent and crude oil prices could exceed $100 a barrel by 2030 as countries consume more energy, particularly emerging economies such as India and China.

China is expected to overtake the United States as the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide before 2010, the Paris-based agency added in its 2006 World Energy Outlook.

"On current trends, we are on course for a dirty, expensive, and unsustainable energy future," IEA executive director Claude Mandil said . "In response, urgent government action is required. The key word is urgent."

The report from the IEA -- an energy policy adviser for its 26 member countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and 19 European nations -- joins a growing consensus of governments, international agencies, and politicians pointing to the economic advantages of tackling emissions growth and warning of stark consequences of inaction.

It predicts that world oil demand will reach 116 million barrels per day in 2030, up from 84 million barrels in 2005. Carbon dioxide emissions are anticipated to reach 40 gigatons in 2030, a 55 percent increase over today's level.