Global Patterns of energy supply, consumption and trade

Energy Gap Nearly 1/3 of the world’s poor people – those living in low income countries – have no electricity or other modern energy supplies. They depend almost entirely on wood or other biomass for their energy needs. In more developed nations oil provides the bedrock for modern life. They consume around 75% of the total supply of the 3 major fossil fuels.

The International Energy Agency predicts we will need almost 60% more energy in 2030 than in 2003, and that fossil fuels will still meet most of these needs.

Although there is plenty of coal it is not likely to grow in popularity because it is so polluting.

Oil industry experts predict that current reserves will only last for another 40 years or so… And although gas supplies are finite they will probably last longer.

Business as usual This projects how the world’s energy would look in 2030 if current trends continue to be followed. The demand for fossil fuels, and their related carbon emission, will grow about 83%. BTOE = billion tonnes of equivalent

Alternative policies This projects how the world’s energy mix would appear if the packages of policies and measures currently being considered by governments is adopted. BTOE = billion tonnes of equivalent

The supply of non-renewable sources of energy

Globally, energy supplies are distributed unevenly.

250 years ago virtually everyone would have depended on the fuel they could find within a few kilometres of their home. In the modern world, fuel often travels vast distances to reach its consumers.

Burning Oil Fields, Kuwait, 1991 Gulf War These distances create many challenges, from the environmental risks of long-distance pipelines to oil-related problems linked to political instability in the Middle East. Burning Oil Fields, Kuwait, 1991 Gulf War

It has been estimated that the very poorest countries in the world contain 14% of the world’s coal reserves, 5% of the oil reserves and 8% of the natural gas reserves. This drilling rig in the Soku oil field is one of the many Shell has in Nigeria.

The middle-income countries, including many middle eastern states such as Iran and Iraq, and other newly industrialising nations such as China, India and Brazil, possess 45% of the world’s coal reserves, 70% of oil reserves and 68% of natural gas reserves. Oil field, Venezuela

In total the developed world has fewer fossil fuels than the developing world (42% of the world’s coal, 25% of oil and 24% of natural gas), but more than those countries in the low-income category. As in the developing world, however, most of these resources are concentrated in only a few countries.

Task: Internet Research: Complete the Oil Production and Consumption Worksheet (t: drive, geography, energy, oil production and consumption). Finish for homework.