Spatial planning and resource use in the Azores.

This paper examines spatial energy consumption patterns under the Green Islands Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Portugal Program. The project consisted of the elaboration of a Global Scenario: the assembly of all different land use scenarios established among different Spatial Plans, to understand the future demand for energy in the Azores. To achieve this, all Spatial Plans were assessed and the pattern of land use/energy consumption presented. Based on foreseen land use, future demand for energy was determined. Measures to minimize the effects of production and consumption were also assessed and presented. This study demonstrates that demand for energy in the Azores will increase in the future, with the urban and agricultural sectors being mostly responsible for that growth. Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) mechanisms and tools associated with effective forest management seem to be a possible solution to decrease the negative effects of demand for energy growth. The development of a new research area based on Strategic Spatial Planning for Energy Consumption Reduction and REDD strategies is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]