Energy: Difference between revisions
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===The majority of energy comes from [[fossil fuels]], which are the main cause of [[climate change]].=== | ===The majority of energy comes from [[fossil fuels]], which are the main cause of [[climate change]].=== | ||
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[[File: energy-usage-by-source.png|border|alt=Energy sources]] | [[File: energy-usage-by-source.png|border|right|alt=Energy sources]] | ||
{{minor|Fossil fuels include coal, oil and natural gas.}} | {{minor|Fossil fuels include coal, oil and natural gas.}} | ||
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{{minor|We could probably cut out half of all energy consumption while barely losing any quality of life. It just requires some planning (both individually and as a society).}} | {{minor|We could probably cut out half of all energy consumption while barely losing any quality of life. It just requires some planning (both individually and as a society).}} | ||
===Transportation=== | |||
Some things that would help: | Some things that would help: | ||
* [[Walkability]] - <small>organizing neighborhoods so things are in optimal locations, so people don't have to drive as far as often.</small> | * [[Walkability]] - <small>organizing neighborhoods so things are in optimal locations, so people don't have to drive as far as often.</small> | ||
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* [[Carpooling]] - <small>yes, this takes some effort and coordination.</small> | * [[Carpooling]] - <small>yes, this takes some effort and coordination.</small> | ||
=== | ===Homes & buildings=== | ||
Most energy is used for [[heating]] - or in some warmer parts of the world, [[cooling]]. Energy-saving solutions haven't been added to this wiki ''yet''.{{rn}} | Most energy is used for [[heating]] - or in some warmer parts of the world, [[cooling]]. Energy-saving solutions haven't been added to this wiki ''yet''.{{rn}} | ||
A common misconception is that "saving energy" is all about turning off lights, turning off computers, etc. Those actions may be worthwhile but don't actually make a ''big'' difference. '''Other''' personal lifestyle choices do: | A common misconception is that "saving energy" is all about turning off lights, turning off computers, etc. Those actions may be worthwhile but don't actually make a ''big'' difference. '''Other''' personal lifestyle choices do: | ||
===Consumerism=== | |||
More than a third of energy demand{{x|commercial vehicles + industrial/manufacturing + ''some'' commercial spaces}} is affected by '''what people buy''', and '''how much''' of it. | More than a third of energy demand{{x|commercial vehicles + industrial/manufacturing + ''some'' commercial spaces}} is affected by '''what people buy''', and '''how much''' of it. | ||
Revision as of 08:29, 16 October 2023
We have to consume less - this is not as hard as it sounds.
This page is about energy in 2 main forms: fuel and electricity.
Energy supply
The majority of energy comes from fossil fuels, which are the main cause of climate change.
Fossil fuels include coal, oil and natural gas.
What about other energy sources?
Main reasons why non-fossil-fuel energy sources aren't being scaled up:
Energy Source
|
Main Limitation
|
---|---|
Hydro | Geography |
Nuclear | Needs uranium-235 which is too scarce* |
Solar | Too many rare metals needed* |
Wind | Geography |
Biofuel | Causes deforestation and global hunger |
Waste | Limited supply |
Geothermal | Geography. In most parts of the world, it's only suited for heating and cooling. |
Solar and wind are also limited by energy storage.*
*Limitations marked with an asterisk (*) are possible to overcome with the right innovations.
More details are found on the wikipage of each energy source. Links are in the table.
Energy demand
Since most energy consumption is bad for the planet, let's look at how it could be reduced - starting with the biggest pieces of the pie.
Note: These actions are mostly directed at "first-world" countries, which use a disproportionately large amount of energy. In other parts of the world, consumption doesn't necessarily have to be reduced.
We could probably cut out half of all energy consumption while barely losing any quality of life. It just requires some planning (both individually and as a society).
Transportation
Some things that would help:
- Walkability - organizing neighborhoods so things are in optimal locations, so people don't have to drive as far as often.
- Public transit done right. Yes, there are plenty of ways for it to be done wrong!
- Working from home - only suited for some types of work, of course.
- Carpooling - yes, this takes some effort and coordination.
Homes & buildings
Most energy is used for heating - or in some warmer parts of the world, cooling. Energy-saving solutions haven't been added to this wiki yet.[RESEARCH needed]
A common misconception is that "saving energy" is all about turning off lights, turning off computers, etc. Those actions may be worthwhile but don't actually make a big difference. Other personal lifestyle choices do:
Consumerism
More than a third of energy demand
To deal with this piece of the pie, we need:
- Frugalism - i.e. buying less stuff!
- Fighting against: business waste, planned obsolescence and code bloat.
- Fighting for right to repair.
- Running new software on old computers.
See also
- Electric vehicles
- Labor - another factor that affects quality of life