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Describe trends in energy consumption.

Historical Energy Use

In the late 1700s, the steam engine was developed, launching the Industrial Revolution. Fuel was needed to produce steam and wood was the primary source of heat used to produce steam. Later, coal became the energy source of choice because it had higher energy content per gram than wood. By the end of the 1800s, coal had become the dominant fuel and remained dominant until the 1940s. In the 1920s, coal provided 80% of all energy in the United States.

By the end of the 1950s, the United States was no longer able to meet its energy demands with domestic production. This was right around the time automobiles became more prevalent. Homes were also getting larger, people were moving to cities, and industrial professions were growing. At this point, we began to import petroleum to meet our energy demands.

Explore the interactive below to see how global energy usage has changed since the 1800s:

We import much of the petroleum that we use in the United States. We also use some nuclear power, but not as much as countries like France, where most of their energy comes from nuclear power. Currently, most of our energy production (around 87%) comes from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) but the percentage of energy from fossil fuels is dropping due to rising demand for renewable energy. As the demand for renewable energy increases, the use of fossil fuels will continue to decline. Increased environmental awareness, better technology, along with changing governmental and corporate policies all contribute to the increased demand for renewable energy.

Essential Knowledge

The most widely used sources of energy globally are fossil fuels.

Developing vs. Developed Countries

Our energy needs, in the United States and as a global population, are only increasing because we are using more energy, and our population is growing exponentially. Additionally, as developing nations begin to become more developed, their energy needs will increase. By 2035, it is expected that fossil fuels will begin to decrease as an energy source, as we begin to transition to renewable energy sources. As we run out of fossil fuels, they will begin to become so expensive that it will be economical for the average consumer to switch to alternative fuels.

Essential Knowledge

As developing countries become more developed, their reliance on fossil fuels for energy increases.

When it comes to energy use in society by different countries, energy use is not evenly distributed around the Earth. Although trends indicate that change is coming, most energy used globally is based in fossil fuels. Historically, developed countries have had a higher energy use per capita than developing countries but as developing countries become more developed, energy use worldwide will escalate.

Explore the interactive below to see how energy use per person has changed as countries become more developed:

Because fossil fuels are still used by the majority of energy users, fossil fuel use will increase significantly into the future as the human population increases.

Essential Knowledge

The use of energy resources is not evenly distributed between developed and developing countries.

Global energy needs are only increasing because of the exponential growth of the human population. As developing nations become more developed, their energy needs will increase.

Explore the map below to see how energy demand has increased since 1990:

Essential Knowledge

As the world becomes more industrialized, the demand for energy increases.

Paying for Energy

a line graph comparing the prices of electricity from various energy sources between 2009 and 2019. It highlights a significant decline in the cost of solar and onshore wind energy over the decade. — **As our investment in renewable energy has increased, the cost of these systems has decreased, making them more affordable for the average citizen.**

Energy prices fluctuate due to a variety of reasons. Availability along with governmental regulation plays a significant role in dictating the price of energy in any one country. Consumer demand for specific types of energy also helps shape energy costs. If consumers demand less polluting, “greener” energy, more of that energy will be provided, assuming the consumers are willing to possibly pay a higher cost for that energy.

Historically, consumers choose whichever energy source is the cheapest but with increased environmental awareness and better technology, that mindset is changing.

By 2035, it is expected that fossil fuels will have decreased significantly as an energy source as the transition to renewable energy sources escalates.

As fossil fuels begin to become less available, they will begin to become so expensive that it will be economical for the average consumer to switch to alternative fuels. At this point, the environment benefits, and the health of humans and natural ecosystems will improve.

Essential Knowledge

Availability, price, and governmental regulations influence which energy sources people use and how they use them.

AP Exam Tip

You should know why developed countries use more energy than underdeveloped or developing countries.

In general, people will not pay more for energy than they have to, so they will use the cheapest energy source available. Thankfully, the price of renewables has continued to decrease.

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