Abstract
Energy and the environment are not only receiving mass public attention, but are also indisputably the main drivers for the development of present day scientific, industrial, economic and social progress. However, anyone attempting to review these topics faces two huge problems: the overwhelming volume of often conflicting information and the rapidly evolving national, international and global situation. Thus, the survey presented here, with heat treatment and surface engineering in mind, is a selection of ideas, discussion material and data that is designed to trigger focused discussion and substantive contributions.