(N/A) The environmental consequences of the increasing demand for energy include:
$1$. Depletion of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels ($coal$, $petroleum$, $natural \ gas$).
$2$. Increased emission of greenhouse gases ($CO_2$, $CH_4$) leading to global warming and climate change.
$3$. Air pollution due to the release of harmful gases ($SO_2$, $NO_x$) and particulate matter.
$4$. Habitat destruction and ecological imbalance due to large-scale mining and dam construction.
Steps to reduce energy consumption:
$1$. Use electrical appliances efficiently and switch them off when not in use.
$2$. Adopt energy-efficient technologies like $LED$ bulbs and $star-rated$ appliances.
$3$. Promote the use of public transport to reduce fuel consumption.
$4$. Utilize renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
$5$. Practice the $3R$ principle: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.