Introduction:
The use of coal as an energy source is increasing on a global scale. Yet, coal is the world’s dirtiest fossil fuel. Its combustion releases heavy metals and contributes significantly to the anthropogenic accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In the exercise, we will analyze current trends in coal consumption around the world.
DATA SETS:
1. The reliance on coal as an energy source is very unevenly distributed around the globe. First we will look at trends in coal consumption for the world’s top five coal consumers, measured in MTOE (Millions Tons of Oil Equivalent). Select “Top Five Coal Consumers” from the drop-down Data Set menu. As of 2014, which country uses the most coal?
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2. How many times more coal did the world’s top consumer use than the next greatest consumer for 2014?
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3. Of the five greatest consumers, three appear to have had relatively stable consumption over time, while two have experienced an increase of consumption over the past several years. Which two nations are increasing in consumption?
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4. By what percent did annual coal consumption increase for China between 2000 and 2014? (To determine percent increase, find the difference between the two numbers and then divide by the starting number. Multiply this answer by 100 for percent.)
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5. By what percentage did coal consumption increase for India from 2000 to 2014?
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6. In what year did China’s coal consumption surpass that of the United States?
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7. It may be tempting to assume that the countries with the highest rate of coal consumption would be the ones with the greatest coal reserves, but this may not be the case. Select “Coal Reserves and Consumption” from the Data Set menu. Which of these nations has the greatest coal reserves?
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8. Is China’s share of total global consumption greater than the rest of the top five combined?
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9. What percent of the world’s coal consumption is taken up by the top five consumers?
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10. Based on current consumption rates and proven reserves, it is estimated that China has a 30- year supply of coal remaining. What would be the best course of action to secure China’s energy future?
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