The Energy Consumption Of The United States - 1392 Words

Have you ever wondered how many sources for energy you use during your day? We use energy to drive our cars, heat and light our homes, and provide efficiency at our jobs. We live hectic and demanding lives and little thought is given about the types of energy resources we have used from the time we wake up to our alarm clocks to the time we lay our head down in our warm cozy bed at night. According to the Energy Information Agency, in 2012, the primary energy consumption in the United States was about 95 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu). That is equal to 18% of world total primary energy consumption. The world total primary energy consumption was about 529 quadrillion Btu. (n.d.). Merriam-Webster Defines a Btu as â€Å"the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at a specified temperature (as 39 °F)† (2015). So how many types of energy sources do we use throughout our day? There are so many variances in today’s world for energy sources and options. We use energy such gas, diesel, and ethanol to power cars; electricity to charge our cell phones, light our homes in the dark, and watch television. We possibly use natural gas to cook our food and heat our homes and water. These are all non-renewable sources of energy. They are also referred to as fossil fuels as they are derived and extracted from coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels make up a large portion of today’s energy market, although promising new renewableShow MoreRelatedEssay about Energy Consumption in the United States461 Words   |  2 PagesEnergy Consumption in the United States The United States consumes more energy than needed, compared to the rest of the world. However, to properly address such an issue as over consumption of energy, one first must understand what â€Å"energy† is. Energy is the ability for something to do work, create heat, or emit light. By this definition, energy can be anything from a sandwich to uranium. However, for the sake of simplification, this essay will focus on the United States’ consumption ofRead MoreEnergy Consumption And Its Effect On The Environment1660 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Energy consumption is universal to all, in spite of the location in the world. Different countries and people consume different amounts of energy at any given time. Energy consumption ranges from small-scale to large-scale uses for different purposes. However, what is common to all despite the amount used is the impact of the consumption that cuts across every region. Among the most fundamental sources of energy used on regular basis, include oil, natural gas, and coal, which are fossilRead MoreEnvironmental Issues : The United States And Uruguay Essay1147 Words   |  5 PagesThe United States and Uruguay There are seven continents in the world made up of many powerful nations, big and small. These nations all have one thing in common, they struggle with the large consumption of our nonrenewable resources. Using these nonrenewable resources are harmful for the environment. Among these powerful nations is the United States. The United States is one of the biggest consumers of our nonrenewable resources. In this paper, I will provide an analysis of the United States’ consumptionRead MoreA Formula for Using Alternative Energy to Reduce Global Oil Dependency1579 Words   |  6 Pagesorder to maintain particular standards of oil-dependent living, nation states establish unbalanced trade arrangements which contribute to global disharmony. The continued use of oil in its many applications is a dominant cause of air and water pollution, which is substantially contributing to global warming. Only by reducing mankinds dependence on oil can these issues be constructively addressed. Alter native forms of energy are the rational solution for reducing global oil dependency, which willRead MoreThe, Reliable And Modern Energy Services993 Words   |  4 Pagesand modern energy services by 2030. This target is relatively measurable on a macro-level based on the percentage of population with access to various forms of energy, such as solid fuels, biomass, gas, and electricity. However, the qualitative terms â€Å"affordable† and â€Å"modern† would need to be clarified in order for the target to be fully measurable. Target 7.2 aims to increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. The share of renewable energy is measurableRead MoreEnergy Consumption982 Words   |  4 Pagesrenewable energy as well as increasing energy efficiency measures , . To better understand GHG emissions associated to electricity production as well as the opportunities to reduce emissions from this sector, multiple scholars have conducted decomposition analysis for the electricity sector from the input-output table. Zhang et al estimates the indirect energy consumption caused by household consumption using the input-output equation (Leontief inverse). First, the authors calculate direct energy consumptionRead MoreIndia s Unrealistic For Renewable Energy Essay1399 Words   |  6 Pagesunrealistic for renewable energy to completely replace non renewable energy. Nations should begin to strive towards renewable sources to lower their dependency on fossil fuels. This will give the developing world a competitive option to non renewable sources. I. INTRODUCTION Globalization integrates world economy through capital, investment, and labor markets [1]. It allows for the economic growth of developing countries. Development requires the utilization of resources for energy production. NationsRead MoreRenewable And Non Renewable Sources Essay1604 Words   |  7 PagesSimply put, energy is â€Å"a driving force behind all socio-economic activities† (Wesseh, Lin, 2016). Therefore energy is highly demanded and various sources must be used in order to meet the market’s needs. Within energy, there are two categories of sources: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable sources being naturally replenishable in the short term and non-renewable sources being exhaustible (Wesseh, Lin, 2016). Non-renewable energy sources include mainly fossil fuels and renewable energy resourcesRead MoreEnergy: What is Micro Hydro Power1098 Words   |  4 PagesMicro hydro power is a concept that has over the years been adopted as an alternative energy sup ply for communities whose access to a national grid is limited by a factor or two. In fact, hydro power is one of the oldest sources of energy used by the human civilization. It has been used for hundreds of years to turn waterwheels for the purpose of sawing logs, grinding grains, and the manufacture of cloths. From the last century, large scale hydro power plants have been used mainly for the generationRead MoreAddicted to Oil1208 Words   |  5 PagesThe United States uses nearly a quarter of the world’s oil. This would not be a problem if the U.S. had a large oil reserve but it only has 3% of the world’s reserves for 4% of the population (Pickens). This huge dependence on oil is costing us economically and also threatens our dreams. The United States needs to become more energy independent by using sources other than oil. Many alternative sources are available but renewable sources provide the brightest future. The United States’ increasing