Three new reports from the National Research Council (NRC)
conclude that climate change is occurring, is largely caused
by human activities, and poses significant risks. The NRC
concludes that the United States should act now to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and to develop an adaptation plan.
Estimated energy demand is charted to grow by almost 50% in the next 20 years.
In 2007, renewable sources of energy accounted for about 7% of total U.S. energy consumption and 9.4% of electricity generation. (Source: EIA)
The United States makes up 5% of the world's population and accounts for 25% of total energy use.
Appliances account for roughly 65% of electricity consumption in the average American household (2001), with refrigerators and lighting making up the largest categories. (Source: EIA)
Today’s challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the country’s steadily rising demand for electricity make it essential for legislatures and public utility commissions to shift their focus toward mechanisms that make demand reduction as profitable for utilities as increasing supply. (Source: Institute for 21st Century Energy)
