6.2 Patterns and Trends in Global Energy Consumption

These flashcards cover key concepts related to trends and patterns in global energy consumption, emphasizing the differences between developed and developing nations, the role of fossil fuels, and government regulations.

What are the two main categories of countries based on energy consumption?

Developed nations and developing nations.

How much more energy does an average citizen in a developed country consume compared to the world average?

About five times as much energy.

What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?

Oil, coal, and natural gas.

What is the main use of oil or petroleum?

Transportation fuel, mainly as gasoline.

What percentage of the world's electricity is produced by burning coal?

About 40%.

What role does natural gas play in energy consumption?

It is a growing source for electricity generation and the main source for heating.

What is hydroelectricity?

Energy generated from the movement of water, usually through dams.

How does nuclear power generate electricity?

By fission of uranium, which heats water to create steam that spins a turbine.

What fuels are commonly used in developing countries?

Subsistence fuels such as wood, manure, and charcoal.

What happens to energy demand as a country's GDP increases?

Per capita electricity demand increases.

What is the main trend noted about energy consumption in developing nations?

Increasing energy consumption due to growing populations and industrialized economies.

What is a key factor affecting fossil fuel availability?

Discovered reserves and accessibility.

How did fracking impact natural gas prices around 2010?

It increased the availability of natural gas, causing prices to drop.

Which energy source is the second most common globally after fossil fuels?

Hydroelectricity.

What role does government regulation play in energy consumption?

It can mandate energy mix requirements for utility producers.

Can governments directly change the price of energy?

No, they cannot directly set prices.

How do taxes impact the energy market?

They can discourage fossil fuel power plants or encourage renewable energy plants.

What is one example of a country policy regarding renewable energy?

Mandating a certain percentage of energy from renewable resources by a specific year.

What differentiates energy production in various U.S. states?

Their willingness to adopt renewable resource policies reflecting their geography and political sentiment.

What factor correlates with a transition from subsistence fuels to fossil fuels?

Increased wealth or affluence.

What is the dominant global energy source?

Fossil fuels.

Which fossil fuel is primarily used for electricity generation?

Coal.

What happens to coal consumption as natural gas prices decline?

Coal consumption typically declines.

What process is used to generate electricity in both nuclear and hydroelectric power?

Spinning a turbine.

What is a characteristic of developed countries with respect to energy use?

Higher per capita energy consumption compared to the global average.

What must be considered when discussing energy sources and their use?

Availability and government regulation.

What is a common mistake students make regarding government intervention in energy pricing?

Believing the government can directly raise or lower fuel prices.

How does industrialization affect energy consumption in developing countries?

It leads to increased total energy use due to growing energy demands.

What do renewable energy policies in progressive states result in?

A greater portion of energy produced from renewable resources.

What indicates a positive correlation in energy consumption patterns?

As income increases, so does per capita electricity demand.