One Young World 2018
BP CEO calls on young leaders for their ideas towards meeting growing global energy demand while reducing emissions
Today Bob Dudley was at One Young World in the Hague speaking with ambassadors to the forum, aged 18-30, about the dual challenge of providing more energy with fewer emissions.
He talked about how progress relies on everyone around the world having access to energy that is both reliable and clean. The world needs about a third more energy with 2.5 billion people to be lifted out of low incomes over the next two decades and the global population set to rise by another 2 billion in the same time frame.
Dudley described that as only half the story, with the other half being the need to bring greenhouse gas emissions down dramatically and quickly to reduce the threat of climate change.
“People often think the solution is simple: more renewables,” he said. “They’re right, up to a point, because renewables are growing faster than any fuel in history. But even optimistic projections only see renewables making up around a third of the energy mix by 2040.” So renewables are important – but only part of the story - we need to think about the other two thirds as well.
One part of meeting the challenge, he says, is to squeeze coal out of the power sector and replace it with a combination of renewables and gas.
Gas emits half the carbon of coal when burned to produce power.
“It’s also abundant and affordable, which is really important particularly for developing economies.
And it’s the perfect partner for renewables, which by their nature are intermittent. The sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow.”
Another area the world needs to address is transportation, Dudley said.
He welcomed the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) but he urged thinking beyond just EVs referring to evidence that low carbon fuels, including biofuels, could have the same impact on emissions as the large scale adoption of EVs.
An engineer by training, Dudley said he was optimistic about the potential to make changes: “All of this is possible today. More energy with fewer emissions is not far-fetched or futuristic. It’s not dependent on any one big technological breakthrough. The world already has the know-how, resources and, increasingly, the will to do it.”
Before taking questions from the audience, Dudley concluded by saying: “We don’t have all the answers. That’s where you come in. We need your help and ideas. We need your energy and your inspiration. That’s what is so significant about One Young World.”
Watch Bob Dudley's speech in full
Facts and figures: demand for energy
- World Health Organisation figures show some 4 million people die prematurely because of the indoor pollution from cooking on open fires and basic stoves
- A billion people today live without access to electricity – 15% of people on the planet and 60% in sub-Saharan Africa alone
- With more energy, 2.5 billion people could be lifted out of low incomes over the next two decades
- By 2040, the global population is expected to rise by around another 2 billion
- On current trends, energy demand is projected to rise by around a third by 2040, equivalent to adding another new China and EU’s worth of energy demand on top of what’s required today.
BP delegate and domestic abuse campaigner, Luke Hart
Luke Hart is one of 30 BP delegates attending One Young World. Outside his work as technology associate for BP's Digital Innovation Organization, Hart campaigns on domestic violence and was asked to address the conference on the subject that was borne out of personal tragedy.
In 2016, his father killed Hart’s mother, Claire, and his 19-year old sister, Charlotte, before committing suicide. Since then, Luke and his brother, Ryan, have campaigned to change the way domestic violence is reported, calling on people to consider the victims.
Hart argues that the way people perceive incidents, including domestic homicide, often focuses on the perpetrators’ actions and motives. Hart campaigns to ensure the victims -- mainly women and children – are not forgotten.
“Cruelty is always a choice and so is the perspective that bystanders take towards abuse and violence,” Hart will say. “Only when we choose to understand victims’ perspectives do we truly stand in solidarity against the abuse of women and children.”
From Hart’s position, One Young World is a great opportunity to meet others in a professional and campaigning capacity. After attending the event, delegates can bring ideas back to their employers and communities.
BP’s support of the event is also important, Hart says.
“It shows BP’s commitment to young people and to the values of my generation,” Hart explains and Bob Dudley’s attendance, he believes, is a symbol of BP’s mindset.
“I feel BP’s values are aligned with mine,” Hart says.
Watch Luke Hart's moving address at the summit
