Global Sustainability and Innovation - Energy

Global Sustainability and Innovation

Energy

• Energy is derived from the Greek word ‘Energeia’ which means "Activity" or "Operation."

• Definition of Energy:

  • Energy describes the amount of Work that can be performed by a Force.

• Different Forms of Energy:

  1. Kinetic Energy

  2. Potential Energy

  3. Thermal Energy

  4. Gravitational Energy

  5. Sound Energy

  6. Light Energy

  7. Electromagnetic Energy

Key Characteristics of Energy

• Energy is needed to "Get things done."

• Energy is essential to perform work, which can range from manufacturing goods to transportation.

• Conservation of Energy Principle:

  • Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another.

• The Total Energy of the Universe remains constant.

Energy Functions

• Energy is essential for various functions such as:

  1. Manufacturing goods and services

  2. Transportation

  3. Cooking food

  4. Generating Electricity

• Energy is the most basic element of progress for all economies.

• Energy serves as the pivotal force that sustains life and ensures a standard of living.

• Metaphorical Explanation:

  • Energy is essential to "make the World go around."

Examples of Energy in Manufacturing

• Example Products:

  • iPod

  • Designed by Apple in California, assembled in China.

  • Airplane Turbine

  • Other manufactured products include the iPhone.

Examples of Energy in Transportation

• Example: TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse)

  • Represents advances in transportation energy use.

Historical Context of Energy Use

Pre-Industrial Era

• Characteristics:

  1. Earth’s population was small.

  2. Energy needs were limited to cooking and heating.

  3. Energy sources were limited, causing little serious environmental damage.

  4. People traveled less than 10 miles from their place of birth due to lack of modern transportation.

Post-Industrial Era

• The Industrial Revolution resulted in:

  1. A wave of new discoveries and inventions enhancing productivity.

  2. Higher productivity leading to faster, more efficient living standards.

  3. Most inventions being "Energy Hungry," demanding more energy.

  4. Advances in medical science resulting in longer lifespan and a population explosion.

  5. Modern civilization relying heavily on non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels.

Environmental Impact of Energy Use

• Since the Industrial Revolution:

  1. Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere have risen from 280 ppm (parts per million) to 362 ppm.

  2. World output is increasing rapidly.

  3. Gross World Product rose from $26.9 trillion in 1995 to $61 trillion in 2008.

  4. Emerging economies (BRIC nations) are growing quickly.

  5. Human activities are altering the earth’s climate.

• Harmful Effects of CO2 Emissions:

  • Increased CO2 levels enhance the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming.

The Greenhouse Effect

• Mechanism of the Greenhouse Effect:

  • Solar radiation powers the climate system, with some solar radiation being reflected by the Earth and atmosphere.

  • Most infrared radiation passes through the atmosphere; however, a large portion is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gas molecules and clouds.

  • This process warms the Earth's surface and the lower atmosphere.

  • About half the solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface, causing it to warm.

Economic Growth and Energy Consumption

• GDP and Energy Usage:

  • Higher GDP is indicative of an expanding economy, which uses more energy forms.

  • Presently, non-renewable energy sources, predominantly fossil fuels, are being harvested.

  • The burning of fossil fuels results in high concentrations of CO and CO2 in the atmosphere.

World Energy Consumption (1965-2006)

• Energy Consumption Representation:

  • Various sources of energy include Hydro, Nuclear, Coal, Gas, and Oil, tracked from 1965-2006.

• Graph Representation:

  • Hydro

  • Nuclear

  • Coal

  • Gas

  • Oil

CO2 Emissions per Capita (1990)**:

• CO2 emissions per capita data in 1990:

  • USA: 19.83 tons

  • Russia: 16.11 tons

  • OECD: 11.0 tons

  • Poland: 10.87 tons

  • Denmark: 10.12 tons

  • UK: 10.08 tons

  • Japan: 9.35 tons

  • Iceland: 8.52 tons

  • Norway: 8.37 tons

  • Sweden: 7.16 tons

  • World Average: 3.90 tons

  • China: 2.27 tons

  • Brazil: 1.39 tons

  • India: 0.88 tons

  • Swaziland: 0.33 tons

Issues of Finite Energy Supply

• Finite Supply of Fossil Fuels:

  • Most estimates suggest that world fossil fuel output has peaked and is in decline (reference: Hubbert's peak).

  • The issue at hand is that fossil fuel supply is finite while demand is unlimited.

  • Approximately 85% of world energy sources are directly related to fossil fuels that are non-replenishable.

Peak Oil and its Predictions

• HUBBERT CURVE:

  • Graphical representation of World liquids production, showing data on peak oil production.

• Past production has included both conventional and non-conventional oil, with projections extending up to 2125.

• Notable Statistics:

  • Proven reserves benchmark around 250x10 billion barrels.

  • Cumulative production noted at approximately 90x10 billion barrels.

Global Disparities in Energy Consumption

• One-fifth of the world's population accounts for 70% of its energy usage.

• Coal has been mined for 800 years; however, 50% has been extracted in the past 37 years.

• Petroleum has been pumped for 100 years, with over 50% sourced in the last 25 years.

• Statistical Comparisons:

  • One person in Western Europe uses as much energy as 80 individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa.

  • The US holds 2% of global reserves, produces 4.5% of global oil, yet consumes 25% of the world's oil.

  • The US is responsible for 24% of global CO2 emissions.

Peak Oil Resources

• Oil production has plateaued or declined for 33 out of 48 largest global oil producers, including 6 out of 11 OPEC nations.

• Noteworthy Consumption Statistics:

  • Americans use roughly 1 million gallons of oil every two minutes.