Energy: world's
leading energy
producer (17%),
OIL
development of the
Alaskan field
( production is
increasing!)
The Gulf of Mexico is
likely to be an
important future
domestic source of oil
World’s third leading oil
producer
COAL
Wyoming and Montana
(cleaner and more
accessible) are now the
main coal fields of the
USA: moving from east
to west
Large reserves (27% of
world total)
NUCLEAR
Large supplies of
uranium
World’s largest nuclear
power industry; with
over 100 plants
(Clean, safe, practical,
‘cheap’ alternative to
global warming)
LIMITATIONS:
Consumes about 20% of
world total
Coal consumption 20%
greater than a decade
ago
LIMITATIONS: World’s
greatest consumer
(25%) of oil
Consumption growing
fast 15% greater than a
decade ago
24% of US consumed oil
is imported
20% comes from the
Persian Gulf
LIMITATIONS: A history
of accidents since Three
Mile Island,
With usual problems of
transportation, disposal
and security
As well as post 9/11
terrorist risks
Fossil fuels +
Environment
LIMIATATIONS:
USA is responsible for
23% of global CO2
emissions
And has not ratified the
1997 Kyoto agreement
to limit emissions
Research is underway
to develop power plants
which emit no C02
Even Bush in 2007
changed his position on
global warming
And Obama's 2010
Recovery and
Reinvestment Act put
$80 billion into clean
energy investments
Electricity
LIMITATIONS:World’s
greatest consumer of
electricity AFTER
CHINA...
Consumption growing
fast (20% higher than a
decade ago)
World’s greatest
generator of electricity
(25% of world total)
Over 50% from coal:
making the USA a
significant contributor
to global warming
Exporting large
amounts to Canada and
Mexico (through NAFTA)
GENERAL LIMITATIONS
The world’s leading
energy consumer
AFTER CHINA...
World’s leading energy
importer
Consuming significantly
more than it produces
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