This article examines the impact of tribology on global energy consumption, economic expenditure, and CO₂ emissions. The study covers four main energy-consuming sectors: transportation, manufacturing, power generation, and residential. Key findings include: - Approximately 23% (119 EJ) of the world's total energy consumption is attributed to tribological contacts, with 20% (103 EJ) used to overcome friction and 3% (16 EJ) used to remanufacture worn parts. - Implementing advanced tribological technologies could reduce energy losses due to friction and wear by 40% in the long term (15 years) and 18% in the short term (8 years), leading to annual savings of 1.4% of GDP and 8.7% of total energy consumption. - The largest short-term energy savings are expected in transportation (25%) and power generation (20%), while the potential savings in manufacturing and residential sectors are estimated at about 10%. - Advanced tribological technologies can also reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 1,460 MtCO₂ and result in cost savings of 450,000 million Euros in the short term, and 3,140 MtCO₂ and 970,000 million Euros in the long term. - The article discusses the historical context of tribology, highlighting the significant economic savings achieved through the implementation of new tribological solutions in the past, and the potential for further savings in the future. - The authors present a methodology for calculating the impact of friction and wear on energy consumption, economic losses, and emissions, and provide detailed calculations for the four main sectors. - The article also reviews recent technological advances in lubricants, materials, component design, and new methodologies that can further reduce friction and wear. - Finally, the authors discuss the development over the last 50 years, noting that while significant progress has been made, there is still room for further improvement in both energy efficiency and cost savings.This article examines the impact of tribology on global energy consumption, economic expenditure, and CO₂ emissions. The study covers four main energy-consuming sectors: transportation, manufacturing, power generation, and residential. Key findings include: - Approximately 23% (119 EJ) of the world's total energy consumption is attributed to tribological contacts, with 20% (103 EJ) used to overcome friction and 3% (16 EJ) used to remanufacture worn parts. - Implementing advanced tribological technologies could reduce energy losses due to friction and wear by 40% in the long term (15 years) and 18% in the short term (8 years), leading to annual savings of 1.4% of GDP and 8.7% of total energy consumption. - The largest short-term energy savings are expected in transportation (25%) and power generation (20%), while the potential savings in manufacturing and residential sectors are estimated at about 10%. - Advanced tribological technologies can also reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 1,460 MtCO₂ and result in cost savings of 450,000 million Euros in the short term, and 3,140 MtCO₂ and 970,000 million Euros in the long term. - The article discusses the historical context of tribology, highlighting the significant economic savings achieved through the implementation of new tribological solutions in the past, and the potential for further savings in the future. - The authors present a methodology for calculating the impact of friction and wear on energy consumption, economic losses, and emissions, and provide detailed calculations for the four main sectors. - The article also reviews recent technological advances in lubricants, materials, component design, and new methodologies that can further reduce friction and wear. - Finally, the authors discuss the development over the last 50 years, noting that while significant progress has been made, there is still room for further improvement in both energy efficiency and cost savings.