demand for energy consumption

Question 1

developed countries (transport)

Answer 1

-some households switching to fuel efficient cars, reduces demand for energy overall. Hybrid and electric are popular - reducing in price and low vehicle tax.

-Governments encouraging ‘model shift’ away from cars - reduces energy used in transport sector (UK cycle to work scheme reduces energy used by cars)

-increased vehicle ownership due to two or more car household therefore increased demand for petrol

Question 2

developed countries (electronics)

Answer 2

-increased ownership of electronic devices such as tablets due to changing technology and affordability

-EU regulations on energy efficiency mean appliances (fridges, washing machines) use less energy (eg. fridges use roughly 50% less energy compared to 1990)

-Banning incandescent and halogen lights in UK houses - people use LED which uses over 80% less energy.

Question 3

developed countries (housing)

Answer 3

-Houses improve heating insulation reducing loss of heat, meaning less energy required to heat homes

-newer, larger homes at the edge of cities need more energy to heat - higher central heating use

-European countries - more single-occupancy households (divorce etc). More houses means more energy usage

-As climate changes, air conditioning installed in more houses (10% of electricity consumption in USA (2022) used for AC in households and businesses)

Question 4

developed countries (politics)

Answer 4

Paris Agreement, national targets to reduce greenhouse emissions. Pressure on Gov and industry to reduce energy usage.

Question 5

developing countries (population)

Answer 5

-increased population in developing countries - increased demand for electricity in houses, for lighting and appliances

-increased food demand - more fertilisers and pesticides are used but more energy is required to produce pesticides

-people in developing countries are moving into cities - this urbanisation requires lots of concrete to build houses, concrete requires energy (China requires more infrastructure which requires lots of energy as they rely on concrete and steel)

Question 6

developing countries (economic growth)

Answer 6

• As people earn money demand for fridges, TVs etc grows. These products tend to be less energy efficient when compared to expensive options in developed countries - contributing to energy demand
• most global economic growth happening in middle and low income countries (eg China) due to energy hungry manufacturing companies (eg steel or appliance products)
• In a global economy, many manufactured products are sold to developed countries - need to be shipped around the world which requires energy. However, many African nations not industrialised as much as Asia which has a smaller energy rise.

Question 7

developing countries (transport)

Answer 7

-As wealthy people in developing countries buy more cars - increase in petrol and diesel (eg. car ownership in India is expected to rise by 77% over next two decades)

-people more likely to travel abroad for business or holidays. Large increase in passenger air travel, SE Asia building more air terminals.