Global energy consumption describes the total energy used by humans worldwide. It encompasses the energy consumed for electricity, heat, transportation, and industry. As of now, this figure stands around 18 TW, which is more than the justifiable usage projected in our example from Earth's entire biological energy of 100 TW.
This consumption has increased greatly over the decades due to industrial growth and technological advancements:
- Industrialization: With more industries, the demand for energy has increased, contributing to higher energy consumption.
- Technological Advancements: Modern technology, though making life convenient, also leads to increased energy use.
Understanding these factors means recognizing that to ensure a sustainable future, we must consider energy conservation strategies. This might involve using renewable energy sources, improving efficiency, and adopting cleaner technologies to meet energy needs without depleting Earth's resources.