America’s overconsumption patterns and priorities Abstract
Each American individual uses up to 20 tons of basic raw materials annually. The rate at which the United States consumes and disposes of natural resources has been steadily increasing since the Industrial Revolution. Our society has shifted into a more mechanical and consumer based lifestyle—a lifestyle that demands a higher amount of energy and electricity.
Certain sources of energy have different environmental effects and dangers. Often times, the process of harvesting energy in the form of coal, oil, or gas, can disrupt surrounding habitats or pollute the air or water in which it lies. The transportation of new energy consumes even more energy and emits exhaust from planes, trains, and trucks. The actual burning and use of fossil fuel emits carbon dioxide into the air, causing temperature increase, a process known as global warming. Because America represents only about 5% of the world’s population but uses 24% of the world’s energy, reducing the American impact is essential and lowering our rates of consumption is an important step that should be taken.
My research analyzes and compares energy and electricity consumption rates between the United States, Mexico—a developing nation, and Germany—a first world, industrialized nation. These comparisons showed that an excess amount of electricity and fossil fuels are being consumed, per capita, by Americas. The per capita rates of both electricity and energy for the other two nations were considerably lower in contrast.
Pull Quote: America represents only about 5% of the world’s population but uses 24% of the world’s energy
Each American individual uses up to 20 tons of basic raw materials annually. The rate at which the United States consumes and disposes of natural resources has been steadily increasing since the Industrial Revolution. Our society has shifted into a more mechanical and consumer based lifestyle—a lifestyle that demands a higher amount of energy and electricity.
Certain sources of energy have different environmental effects and dangers. Often times, the process of harvesting energy in the form of coal, oil, or gas, can disrupt surrounding habitats or pollute the air or water in which it lies. The transportation of new energy consumes even more energy and emits exhaust from planes, trains, and trucks. The actual burning and use of fossil fuel emits carbon dioxide into the air, causing temperature increase, a process known as global warming. Because America represents only about 5% of the world’s population but uses 24% of the world’s energy, reducing the American impact is essential and lowering our rates of consumption is an important step that should be taken.
My research analyzes and compares energy and electricity consumption rates between the United States, Mexico—a developing nation, and Germany—a first world, industrialized nation. These comparisons showed that an excess amount of electricity and fossil fuels are being consumed, per capita, by Americas. The per capita rates of both electricity and energy for the other two nations were considerably lower in contrast.
Pull Quote: America represents only about 5% of the world’s population but uses 24% of the world’s energy
