Shopping Cart
RSS FeedFossil Fuels Continue to Cloud Up the Skies
by Worldwatch Institute on October 29, 2003
With less than five percent of the world’s population, the United States is responsible for a large share of the world’s fossil fuel burden, accounting for 26 percent of global oil use, 25 percent of coal consumption, and 27 percent of natural gas use. U.S. automobiles—totaling more than 128 million, or one quarter of the world’s cars—emit roughly as much carbon as the entire Japanese economy, the world’s fourth largest carbon emitter.
Natural gas has become the fastest growing of all fossil fuels, representing an increasing share of global energy use—nearly 24 percent of the world’s energy consumption. But annual growth rates of two percent in this sector pale in comparison to alternative sources such as wind that, while still a very small portion of the energy sector, recorded an average annual growth rate of 33 percent between 1998 and 2002.
With less than five percent of the world’s population, the United States is responsible for a large share of the world’s fossil fuel burden, accounting for 26 percent of global oil use, 25 percent of coal consumption, and 27 percent of natural gas use. U.S. automobiles—totaling more than 128 million, or one quarter of the world’s cars—emit roughly as much carbon as the entire Japanese economy, the world’s fourth largest carbon emitter.Natural gas has become the fastest growing of all fossil fuels, representing an increasing share of global energy use—nearly 24 percent of the world’s energy consumption. But annual growth rates of two percent in this sector pale in comparison to alternative sources such as wind that, while still a very small portion of the energy sector, recorded an average annual growth rate of 33 percent between 1998 and 2002.
Sources:
Fossil Fuel Use Up, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 34-35.
Vehicle Production Inches Up, Vital Signs 2003, pp. 56-57.
Worldwatch Links:
Vital Signs Fact of the Week Archive
Vital Signs 2003 press release
Take action: Vital Signs 2003, What You Can Do
More research from Worldwatch
Additional Resources:
BP''s Statistical Review of World Energy 2002: www.bp.com/centres/energy2002/
