chapter 19 Notes
· The huge blackout of 2003 reminded us of how reliant we are on energy
· 86% or all commercial energy is generated by fossil fuel, 40% is petroleum, next is coal with 23% then natural gas with 22%
· The united states consumes twice as much energy per person as countries like Switzerland who have the same standard of living.
· Largest share of energy use in the states is for industry, transportation comes in second with 27% of energy supply
· Coal is dirty and dangerous fuel, however some new techniques reduce emissions and contaminants. Coal combustion is major source of acid precipitation
· Natural gas burns clean, produces less CO2 than coal. Russia and the Middle East have the worlds highest amounts of gas
· Chernobyl is the reason for most concern when it comes to nuclear power. People think the technology is too risky to pursue
· Major problems with nuclear power are where to store the waste and how to ensure that it remains safely contained for thousands of years
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