Activity One - Describe

As you are getting very used to doing we need to describe our energy consumption before we can begin to explain why the changes have happened and begin to explore practical plans for the future.

1. Using image one, describe the global trend in the consumption of different forms of energy.

2. Using image two, describe the trend in the number of people with and without electricity.

3. Using image three, describe the pattern in energy consumption between regions in 2025.

Useful Resources

Image One - Global Primary Energy Consumption

Image Two - Number of people in the world without energy access

Image Three - Energy consumption by region

Activity Two - Specifics and Explanation

Hydrocarbons

We are currently hugely dependent on hydrocarbons for our energy sources but what has led to this?

1. Read the article below from the 'Our World in Data' website and suggest why you think that there has been a general increase in the use of fossil fuels energy. Think back to your prior lessons and you can also look in the Simon Oakes text book (Pages 93-95) for help.

Useful Resource

Nuclear Power

As you have just done for the fossil fuels you will need to describe the changes in the use of nuclear energy and then suggest reasons for the change. Think about the natural disasters which may have also had an impact on nuclear energy use.

Image Five - Nuclear energy, share of electricity production

Renewables

The final area to focus on is to look at the changes in the use of renewable energy. "In 2025 renewables (33.8%, 10,730 TWh) overtook coal (33.0%, 10,476 TWh) in global electricity generation for the first time in the modern era. Coal fell below a third of generation for the first time in history. Solar grew by a record 636 TWh to 2,778 TWh, up 30%. Solar and wind together met 99% of global demand growth." AI Generated. Describe the global changes and then suggest reasons for the changes.

Activity Three - Sustainable Development Goals - New Sources of 'Modern' Energy

Now that you know the changes in energy use and why the changes have been happening it is important to link it to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After all "Around 2.1 billion people, a quarter of the world, cook on open fires or inefficient stoves. Household air pollution caused an estimated 2.9 million deaths in 2021, including over 309,000 children under five. 923 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lacked clean cooking access in 2022. Women and children carry the greatest burden." AI summary. For safe and clean energy sources this refers to SDG Goal 7.

1. Why is this SDG focusing on energy?

2. Why do we need to provide modern energy in lower income countries?

3. Watch the youtube clip below and create a detailed example of how clean cook stoves could change lives.

 Useful Resources