Energy Consumption, History

Energy Consumption, History

A. Sources
1. Food/Biological
- at first 1:1 conversion , human power
- then cow, camel, horse, domestication
- next wood, deforestation
2. Fossil fuels
- really biological fuels millions of years in the making
- some ancient use
- oil 1859
1870 – 1% of world’s energy source
1970’s – 50%
now - < 40%
- first kerosene, gas considered waste
auto change supply/demand

- Fossil fuels provide 85% (gas, coal, oil) commercial energy in the world
- Biomass fuels 6% (wood, charcoal, manure)
- Renewables 4 – 5 % (solar, wind, hydro)
- Nuclear 4-5%

B. Economics
1. Gas is cheap in US
- US 4.5% world population, 35% worlds cars/trucks
- 8% of world’s pop own car
- est 50% US air pollution – automobiles
- more land for cars than housing
- 50% of US city space is for cars
(1907 Manh...