Glossary
Biomass
Organic matter derived from living or recently living organisms, such as wood, crops, or animal waste, used as a renewable energy source.
Example:
In many rural developing communities, burning biomass like wood or dung is the primary method for cooking and heating.
Carbon footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Example:
Choosing to walk or bike instead of driving can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint by lowering transportation emissions.
Climate Change
A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, primarily caused by increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels.
Example:
Rising global temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events are key indicators of ongoing climate change, impacting ecosystems and human societies.
Commercial Energy
Energy sources that are bought and sold in the market, typically including fossil fuels, nuclear power, and large-scale renewable electricity.
Example:
Unlike traditional wood burning, electricity from a national grid is considered commercial energy because it is purchased and distributed.
Economic Development
The process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people, often leading to increased energy demand.
Example:
As a country undergoes rapid economic development, its need for electricity to power new industries and homes typically rises.
Fossil Fuels
Non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
Example:
Burning fossil fuels like coal in power plants is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Hydropower
Renewable energy generated by the force of moving water, typically through dams that turn turbines to produce electricity.
Example:
The Hoover Dam is a massive hydropower facility that generates electricity for millions of people by harnessing the Colorado River.
Industrial Sector
The segment of the economy involved in manufacturing, construction, and mining, which is typically the largest consumer of energy.
Example:
Steel production and chemical manufacturing are energy-intensive processes within the industrial sector, requiring vast amounts of electricity and heat.
Non-renewable
Energy sources that exist in finite quantities and are not replenished on a human timescale, such as fossil fuels and nuclear fuels.
Example:
Once extracted and burned, non-renewable resources like coal cannot be replaced for millions of years, making their supply limited.
Nuclear Power
Non-renewable energy generated by nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release a large amount of energy, producing heat to generate electricity.
Example:
A nuclear power plant produces electricity with very low greenhouse gas emissions during operation, but it generates radioactive waste that requires careful disposal.
Population Growth
An increase in the number of individuals in a population, which directly correlates with an increased demand for resources, including energy.
Example:
Rapid population growth in urban areas often strains existing energy grids, leading to increased demand for power generation and infrastructure.
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.
Example:
Investing in solar panels for homes is a step towards increasing the use of renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Residential Sector
The segment of the economy that includes homes and dwellings, consuming energy primarily for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.
Example:
Installing energy-efficient windows and insulation can significantly reduce energy use in the residential sector by improving thermal performance.
Technological Advancements
Innovations in technology that can either increase energy efficiency and reduce consumption or enable new energy-intensive activities.
Example:
The development of more efficient LED lighting is a technological advancement that helps reduce residential energy consumption.
Total energy consumption
The sum of all energy used by a country or individual over a specific period, reflecting overall energy demand.
Example:
A nation's total energy consumption typically increases significantly as it undergoes industrialization, requiring more power for factories and infrastructure.
Transportation Sector
The segment of the economy that includes all forms of moving people and goods, primarily relying on petroleum-based fuels.
Example:
Cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships all contribute to the energy consumption of the transportation sector, largely through the burning of gasoline and diesel.