Energy Transitions and Their Impact

What technological advancements have allowed us to access more oil despite the depletion of 'easy' oil?

• Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing

• Biofuel production and algae farming

• Solar panels and wind turbines

• Nuclear fusion and fission

What was the alternative fuel that helped save the forests when the U.S. reached 'peak wood'?

• Natural gas

• Kerosene

• Coal

• Solar energy

What energy source replaced whale oil as a lamp fuel, helping to save whale populations?

• Solar power

• Kerosene

• Electricity

• Natural gas

What invention allowed for the conversion and control of energy, leading to the Industrial Revolution?

• The electric motor

• The wind turbine

• The internal combustion engine

• The steam engine

What has been the general trend in energy sources over the past centuries?

• From oil to coal to wood to renewables

• From renewables to oil to coal to wood

• From wood to coal to oil to renewables

• From coal to wood to oil to renewables

Despite increased efficiency, why are emissions still higher than they were four decades ago?

• Because nuclear energy is dominant

• Because renewable energy has not grown

• Because total energy consumption has increased

• Because fossil fuels are no longer used

What does the Energy Information Administration project about the future of energy sources?

• A significant shift towards renewables

• A complete transition to nuclear energy

• A decrease in fossil fuel use

• Little change in energy sources over the next two decades

What is a major challenge in modern energy transitions related to climate change?

• The abundance of new energy technologies

• The scarcity of fossil fuels

• The decrease in CO2 levels

• The need to invent new energy sources

What is the significance of CO2 levels climbing past 400 ppm?

• It shows that fossil fuels are no longer used

• It suggests that waiting for peak oil is not an option

• It indicates a decrease in global temperatures

• It means renewable energy is now dominant

What might societies need to do for the first time in history regarding energy peaks?

• Ignore energy transitions

• Invent a peak of their own

• Return to using wood as the primary energy source

• Rely solely on fossil fuels