America is in a hole and its getting deeper. We imports 70% of our oil at a cost of $700 billion a year.

Overview of Problem Fossil fuels currently provide more than 85% of all energy consumed in US – Nearly 2/3 of our electricity and virtually all our transportation fuels PROBLEM= OIL PRODUCTION Very little oil has been found within past 30 years and prospect of finding much more is dim – Within the decade world oil production will decline, slowly at first, but then accelerating – Every time anyone spends an American dollar, the energy equivalent of half a liter of oil is burned to produce what that dollar buys!!!

Population vs. Energy Consumption

AHHHH! Earth’s total oil, before humans used it, was about 2 trillion barrels of recoverable oil. Consumption has rapidly increased and about half is already used. Consumption= 31 billion barrels/year If rate does NOT change, oil will be gone in 32 years

Example of Problem Some of worlds oil producing regions have already experienced steep declines: – Us in 1971 – North Sea 1999 – Mexico 2006 Soon to hit Russia and Middle East

Causes!!! The causes are from FOSSIL FUELS – These include coal, oil, and natural gas  Other causes Rapidly escalating demand for energy Energy pricing policies lack of incentives to invest in domestic energy facilities depletion of domestic oil and gas reserves

Solutions to the Problem What people are doing to lessen the effects… – In 1989 the department of energy shut down a 1,050 acre uranium processing facility in Ohio – People are also buying energy efficient appliances – Switching to using renewable energy – AND taking public transportation *things you can all do too!

United Nations Numerous different programs and committees… ONE is UN-Energy It was established to help ensure that energy policies and disciplinary responses are coherent. Aims to provide system wide collaboration in the area of energy since there is NO part of UN primarily for energy

United Nations Cont… Another group is…. UNDP (United Nations Development Program) Goals are to create major improvements in quality and quantity of energy services in developing countries.

Personal Solutions! Multiple options when it comes to saving energy, a few are: Buy energy efficient appliances Make sure your home is properly insulated By electric or hybrid cars Walk or Bike when possible Carpool Turn heaters a couple of degrees Take public transportation