3209 Mid-term I

• What are the defining characteristics of sustainable energy?

  Clean, renewable, efficient, and economical
• What challenges arise in conceptualizing sustainable energy?

  Long-term impacts and economic costs
• Should fossil fuels be considered sustainable energy sources?

  No, they emit substantial GHG
• What has been the trend in global primary energy consumption?

  Increasing steadily for more than half a century
• What was the average growth rate of global primary energy consumption from 2010-2019?

  +1.5% per year
• What percentage of global energy demand is expected to grow by 2040?

  30%
• What factors contribute to the expected growth in global energy demand?

  Population increase, urbanization, economic growth
• Who is the largest producer of global oil as of 2023?

  USA
• What region contributed 80% to global coal production in 2023?

  Asia Pacific region
• What are the implications of fossil fuel dependency on geopolitical tensions?

  Leads to geopolitical tensions and economic vulnerabilities
• What are the three main fossil fuels used in the US?

  Petroleum, natural gas, and coal
• What percentage of fossil fuels is used for transportation in the US?

  Approximately 34%
• What is hydrofracking?

  Extracts oil/gas by injecting fluid into rock
• What are some environmental consequences of hydrofracking?

  Increases air pollution and health risks
• What are the public health consequences linked to hydrofracking?

  Linked to preterm births and negative outcomes
• What are the chemicals identified by the EPA in fracking fluids?

  Arsenic and formaldehyde
• How many public water systems were estimated to have hydraulically fractured wells?

  Approximately 3,900
• What common themes are present in oil transport accidents?

  Environmental damage and public health risks
• What were the environmental impacts of oil drilling in Ecuador?

  Massive pools of oil destroyed the environment
• What is energy poverty?

  Lack of access to modern energy services
• What is the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE)?

  Total lifetime cost of generating electricity
• What factors affect the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE)?

  Capital costs, fuel, maintenance, lifespan
• How does levelized avoided cost of electricity (LACE) compare to LCOE?

  LACE compares LCOE to grid value
• What are the economic costs of fossil fuels on national budgets?

  Deploying forces and costs of wars
• What is a resource curse?

  Economic instability in oil-exporting countries
• Why is democracy rare in major oil-exporting countries?

  Oil dependence leads to authoritarian governments
• What is the impact of oil rents on government accountability?

  Leads to detached and unaccountable governments
• How does oil dependence relate to military spending?

  Associated with increased military spending
• What are the adverse effects of high energy burdens?

  Limits access to clean cooking and cooling facilities
• What is the extent of energy insecurity in the United States?

  High energy burdens affect many households
• What are the limitations of a rights-based approach to fossil fuel dependency?

  May overlook injustices and regulatory shortfalls
• Why is the human rights perspective important in fossil fuel dependency?

  Examines injustices often overlooked
• What is the significance of the social cost of carbon?

  Useful tool for policymakers to assess impacts
• What are the adverse effects of fossil fuel dependency on society?

  Health, infrastructure, and ecosystem impacts
• What is the role of fossil fuels in the economy of oil-exporting countries?

  Face boom-bust cycles and Dutch disease
• What is the relationship between oil wealth and social pressures?

  Can diminish social pressures for accountability
• How does oil dependency affect political activity in populations?

  Leads to political inactivity and loyalty
• What is the impact of oil wealth on social group formation?

  Prevents independent social groups from forming
• How does oil wealth affect the repressive apparatus of governments?

  Supports repression and cooptation of rulers
• What is the significance of urbanization in oil-exporting countries?

  Can diminish social pressures for occupational specialization