A Conversation with Shell
Through the TED Conversations platform, Shell is partnering with TED to engage the community in meaningful discussion on key global issues.
Nick Allen
Vice President,
Shell International
This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »
A conversation with Shell: How can the smarter use of energy and other resources unlock the true potential of cities?
There are 7 billion people on this planet, and half live in cities. In 40 years there are likely to be 9 billion, and three quarters of these will be urbanites -- that's the equivalent of building one new city of 1.3 million people every week for the next 40 years.
The world has never experienced a pace of change like this, and the transition will create new challenges and new opportunities.
Energy is at the heart of this revolution. It courses through the veins of cities and how cities use energy in the future will be critical to their successful development. But, it is not just about energy - how cities develop will also have a huge impact on water, food, waste and the environment.
During the week of TEDGlobal, we will debate many of the challenges that face cities. What would you propose to overcome these challenges?
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.













thomas le calvé
We produce high voltage electricity, not because we need it, but to be able to transport it.
Nearly all of our devices use 12V and must use a transformer tu use 110V or 220V.
A family boat or a camping car use a 12V battery.
99% or our energy "need" is a waste : it is used to make the whole energetic system possible = Pure tautology.
We work to sustain the work. That's nonsens. (or maybe I'm an idiot?)