Environmental Trends 2007

Population and Economic Activity

Intensity of Conventional Energy Use in Economic Activity in British Columbia

Economic activity depends on energy use and production. In turn, all energy use and production has environmental impacts, as they often emit air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Calculating energy intensity (i.e., the energy used per unit of GDP or gross domestic product, which is a measure of economic activity) is one way to calculate the overall environmental impact of economic activity.

The amount of conventional energy used in B.C. per unit of GDP has been decreasing.

Sources: Energy: Statistics Canada; Gross Domestic Product: BC Stats 2007.

Photo credit: Ministry of Transportation

Energy intensity for economic activity in B.C. has decreased steadily, resulting in a lower environmental impact per unit of economic activity (GDP), as it takes less energy to accomplish the same activity.

Factors that reduce energy intensity include a shift towards less energy-intensive economic sectors, and increases in energy efficiency and in the use of alternative energy sources.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].

Next: Taking Action >>