The wind energy industry started in the 1980s in Southern California and …
The wind energy industry started in the 1980s in Southern California and several European countries. Today, the United States, Europe, and countries like India, Australia, Japan, Canada, China, and Brazil lead in new wind power capacity. Currently, wind power generates around 7% of global electricity, with onshore systems dominating but offshore capacity expected to grow in the future.
Climate justice recognizes the responsibility of the wealthy for climate change, which …
Climate justice recognizes the responsibility of the wealthy for climate change, which disproportionately impacts the vulnerable. Urban climate action plans are increasingly addressing justice, but some cities still lack such plans. Larger cities tend to prioritize justice more, and sectors like energy efficiency and clean energy receive greater attention. More efforts are needed to achieve just and inclusive urban climate transitions.
Global natural gas consumption has risen 70% from 2000 to 2022, fueled …
Global natural gas consumption has risen 70% from 2000 to 2022, fueled by economic growth and coal-to-gas transition. Hydraulic fracturing in the US has played a major role. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) enables long-distance shipping, but presents climate and energy justice challenges.
Texas has emerged as a prominent oil and gas producer, ranking as …
Texas has emerged as a prominent oil and gas producer, ranking as the fifth largest oil producer globally if it were its own country. The development of fracking technology and a surge in oil prices led to a significant increase in oil and gas production in Texas from 2000 to 2014. However, the distribution of employment gains during this boom varied across gender, race, and ethnicity. The Texas example underscores the importance of ensuring an equitable distribution of economic benefits in energy systems, especially as governments incentivize low carbon energy initiatives.
Many US households, particularly low-income, minority, and renting households, face a high …
Many US households, particularly low-income, minority, and renting households, face a high energy burden, spending a significant portion of their income on fuel and electricity. In 2020, 27% of households reported difficulty paying energy bills. Federal programs provide some relief, but addressing the underlying causes of social inequity is crucial for long-term energy security.
Oil reserve estimates vary widely due to the challenges of accurately assessing …
Oil reserve estimates vary widely due to the challenges of accurately assessing oil deposits deep underground. Factors such as limited transparency, varying methodologies, and political influences contribute to the disagreements. Efforts are needed to align reserve estimates with climate goals and ensure transparency in reporting.
The fuel efficiency of personal highway vehicles, particularly gasoline-powered cars and trucks …
The fuel efficiency of personal highway vehicles, particularly gasoline-powered cars and trucks in the United States, is a crucial factor in energy consumption. Vehicle weight significantly affects fuel efficiency due to basic physics principles like inertia and rolling resistance.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest-ever federal program focused on …
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest-ever federal program focused on energy and the environment, allocating $369 billion over a decade. With a laser focus on climate change, the IRA aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and enhance climate resilience. Its provisions have the potential to create jobs, lower electricity costs, and significantly contribute to meeting the US climate targets.
From 1900 to 2022, global electricity generation grew remarkably from 66.4 TWh …
From 1900 to 2022, global electricity generation grew remarkably from 66.4 TWh to 29,165 TWh. Fossil fuels maintained a stable share of around 60% throughout this period, while renewables like wind and solar saw rapid growth from the 2000s. The 1960s saw a rise in oil power plants, but energy price shocks in the 1970s shifted focus to natural gas and nuclear generation, with significant investments in gas power plants from the 2000s onward.
Coal has played a pivotal role in the United States' industrial history, …
Coal has played a pivotal role in the United States' industrial history, fueling steel production, electricity generation, and economic growth in the early 20th century. However, this legacy also comes with significant environmental and health issues, including miner health problems, landscape degradation, abandoned mines, and pollution.
The United States has played a significant role in global oil production, …
The United States has played a significant role in global oil production, contributing 17% since 1900, with Texas being a major player, accounting for one-third of the nation's oil production. Technological advancements like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling led to record U.S. oil production in the 2010s, making the country the world's largest oil producer and a net oil exporter.
The simulation shows the classic physics situation of a monkey and hunter. …
The simulation shows the classic physics situation of a monkey and hunter. In this case, the hunter is trying to tranquilize the monkey, so the monkey can be re-located to a better habitat. The monkey is clever - when the tranquilizer dart (in blue) leaves the gun, the monkey (in purple) lets go of the tree branch, and starts to fall straight down. Note that there is a net (not shown) at the bottom to catch the monkey, so the monkey won't get hurt. How should the gun be aimed so the dart hits the monkey?
You can explore various parameters, including changing the direction the gun is aimed, changing the value of the acceleration due to gravity, and adjusting the dart's launch speed.
In this simulation, you see, on the left, a picture of a …
In this simulation, you see, on the left, a picture of a box at rest on a table. You can apply a vertical force (up or down) to the box. On the right, you can see the full free-body diagram of the box. The free-body diagram shows the gravitational force (green) exerted on the box by the Earth, the normal force (purple) exerted by the table, and the vertical force (dark blue) that you apply. Note that, on the free-body diagram, all three forces are along the vertical line passing through the center of the box, but the force of gravity and the normal force have been shifted a little so they can be seen more easily.
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