Hydrogen is the most basic and ubiquitous element in the universe. When properly harnessed it is the "forever fuel"; it never runs out and produces no harmful carbon dioxide emissions when burned.

In this article, Jeremy Rifkin, president of the Foundation on Economic Trends in Washington D.C., describes why he thinks that we are at the dawn of a new economy powered by hydrogen. He says that while the fossil fuel era is entering its sunset years, a new energy regime is being born that has the potential to remake civilisation along radical lines.

He stresses that hydrogen could have a particularly important impact in the developing world, where lack of access to energy, especially electricity, is a key factor in perpetuating poverty. Now, on the cusp of the hydrogen age, Rifkin believes it is possible to establish a truly equitable sharing of the Earth's bounty.

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Source: The Guardian, 17 September 2002