Etcheverry_Jose_R_200811_PhD_thesis

  Most countries are facing a multiplicity of challenges directly related to the pr ent ways in which they currently generate and use energy. Human-induced climate change, rising pollution levels, decreasing energy security, and resource wars are all increasingly linked to the widespread use of non-renewable sources of energy. These interrelated challenges present an ongoing and pressing policy-making dilemma to develop and implement sound energy solutions. Evidence regarding the imperative need for creative energy solutions is amassing a variety of reputable sources. The Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Chance (IPCC) ranks amongst the most salient of these sources. This IPCC report clearly points out that drastic reductions in the use of fossil fuel use are essential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to thereby minimize the most detrimental impacts of climate change.