Electricity consumption: The growth pattern as an ecological indicator

Ecological problems are mainly caused by growth processes. The energy input is a key indicator for ecosystems. In this context, the use of the most valuable kind of energy is of special importance. Economic systems may be considered as special ecosystems. The most valuable kind of energy used in economic systems of industrialised countries is electricity. For some industrialised countries the growth pattern of electricity consumption and its relation to the gross domestic product is considered in this contribution. A linear relation between both indicators for about 3 decades after the Second World War and a coupling of these indicators starting at 1973 has been found. The aim of the contribution is to present this relation and to initiate a discussion about its reason and its interpretation.