Introduction

Thermochemistry

How is the way we power our planet altering the Earth's energy balance?

Modern society depends on energy. When you drive a conventional vehicle, you use energy from the combustion of gasoline. When you flip a light switch, you use energy in the form of electricity. The products that we use every day—from the clothes we wear to the food we eat—all require energy during the process of production, packaging and shipment. But how do we typically generate this energy that powers our planet?

What Do We Know?

Consider the following graph, which illustrates the percentage of the world’s total primary energy supply generated by various sources.

Your Turn

What percentage of the world’s energy supply came from fossil fuels in 2010?