Meeting Mankind’s Energy Needs—What the Bible Says
“Energy is the foundation of modern life,” says Dr. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency. We all need energy, and in 2015, world leaders pledged to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.”a
However, this goal has yet to be fulfilled. World leaders battle with multiple challenges, including differing opinions, rising demands, fuel shortages, and environmental risks. Will mankind’s energy needs ever be truly satisfied? What does the Bible say?
Solving mankind’s energy challenges
Challenge: disagreements over clean energy. The world generates about 80 percent of its energy by burning fossil fuels—oil, gas, and coal. Many believe that this contributes to global warming. Even so, world leaders disagree on whether to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Moreover, even governments that want to limit their use quarrel over how to do so and how to implement clean energy policies. For example, despite signing the Paris Agreementb to limit global warming, nations have struggled to reach that goal.
The Bible says: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will . . . crush and put an end to all these kingdoms.”—Daniel 2:44.
The Bible reveals that a government in heaven, known as God’s Kingdom, will soon replace all existing world governments. (Matthew 6:10) Since it will rule over the entire earth, the Kingdom will not need to negotiate with other governments over policy. God has the authority to do “everything he pleases to do in heaven and on earth.” (Psalm 135:6) His Kingdom will work for the best interests of the entire human family and will ensure that all our needs are met without harming the planet.
Challenge: energy poverty.c Hundreds of millions of people lack electricity or safe stoves for cooking. Millions of other people have access to energy but cannot afford enough of it to maintain a healthy living standard. Sadly, energy poverty disproportionately impacts people living in developing lands, especially women and children.
The Bible says: “O God . . . you will judge the peoples fairly.”—Psalm 67:3, 4.
God looks at all mankind without bias or prejudice. (2 Chronicles 19:7) As a result, his Kingdom will govern with perfect justice. But besides that, he also possesses “vast dynamic energy.” (Isaiah 40:26) He will ensure that everyone’s needs are fully met, regardless of who they are or where they live.
Challenge: international conflict. Some regions are rich in energy resources, but they suffer from wars, conflicts, and disputes over territory. And when conflicts disrupt supply chains for oil or gas, many people face shortages and higher prices.
The Bible says: “Jehovahd . . . is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth.”—Psalm 46:8, 9.
Jehovah God will eliminate conflict and wars. People who live by the standards of God’s Kingdom will experience real peace and security. (Isaiah 32:17) As a result, nothing will prevent people from having what they need—including sufficient energy.
Challenge: demands from technology. For example, experts express growing concern about the energy needed to power and train artificial intelligence (AI) models.e And while some feel that electric vehicles are better for our planet’s health, producing and disposing of the batteries that power these vehicles can create environmental hazards.
The Bible says: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.”—Isaiah 11:9.
Under God’s Kingdom, people will benefit from God’s wisdom. As the Creator, he knows how best to meet mankind’s needs without exhausting resources or harming the environment. With God’s guidance, people will master ways to use energy sustainably.
Challenge: extreme weather. Violent storms and resulting floods have caused widespread power outages. Heat waves have resulted in the overloading of electric grids.
The Bible says: “[God] calms the windstorm; the waves of the sea grow quiet.”—Psalm 107:29.
God has the power to control the elements. Under the rule of his Kingdom, he will not allow extreme weather to cause damage and diminish people’s quality of life. God never intended for weather to hurt mankind. So he will also restore earth’s natural balance, allowing people to live in harmony with the weather.—Isaiah 35:7.
What about renewable energy?
To ensure a sustainable future, many experts recommend using renewable energy sources. For example, consider the energy emitted by the sun, carried by wind or flowing water, or found deep within the earth (geothermal energy). Could these natural resources be used more extensively under God’s Kingdom? While the Bible does not say, it does teach that our Creator is the ultimate Source of all energy. With his power, wisdom, and understanding, he is fully capable of directing the use of earth’s resources for the benefit of mankind.—Jeremiah 51:15.
Note what the Bible says about God’s control over renewable energy sources.
Solar energy. “[God] made the light and the sun.”—Psalm 74:16.
Wind energy. “[God] brings the wind out of his storehouses.”—Psalm 135:7.
Water energy. “[God] measured out the waters.”—Job 28:25.
Geothermal energy. “In [God’s] hand are the depths of the earth.”—Psalm 95:4.
“Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom,” with all its renewable energy sources.—Proverbs 3:19
a The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
b The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted by 195 countries at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in 2015. One of the goals of the agreement is to limit the increase of the global average temperature.
c “Energy poverty is a lack of adequate, reliable, and affordable energy for . . . daily activities.”—United Nations Development Programme.
d Jehovah is the personal name of God. (Psalm 83:18) See the article “Who Is Jehovah?”
e AI models are computer programs that simulate certain features of human thinking, such as learning, creating, solving problems, and making decisions.