2.3 Energy, food & water production and consumption
Energy production refers to how much primary energy a country extracts from nature. This is the total of all of the harvested primary fuels and primary energy flows.
- Renewable Energy source: energy resources that are replenished naturally, but the supply of which can be endangered by overuse or subject to weather. (National Geographic, 2021)
- Renewable resources include biomass energy (such as ethanol), hydropower, geothermal power, wind energy, and solar energy. (National Geographic, 2021)
- Non-renewable energy sources: energy resources that form in extremely slow geological processes like coal and coal products, oil, natural gas, and nuclear power (National Geographic, 2021)
Energy Consumption: is the amount of energy or power used. Energy consumption refers to ALL the energy used to perform an action, manufacture something or simply inhabit a building.
- In 2016 the total world energy came from 80% fossil fuels, 10% biofuels, 5% nuclear, and 5% renewable (hydro, wind, solar, geothermal). Only 18% of that total world energy was in the form of electricity. Most of the other 82% was used for heat and transportation. (SHELL, 2017)
What Uses the Most Energy in Your Home?
Cooling and heating: 47% -Water heater: 14% -Washer and dryer: 13% -Lighting: 12% -Refrigerator: 4% -Electric oven: 3-4% – TV, DVD, cable box: 3% -Dishwasher: 2% of energy use.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Using energy more efficiently is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and meet growing energy demand. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2018)
The many benefits of energy efficiency include:
- Environmental: Increased efficiency can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants, as well as decrease water use.
- Economic: Improving energy efficiency can lower individual utility bills, create jobs, and help stabilize electricity prices and volatility.
Food Production and Consumption
It is estimated that by 2050 the world’s population will reach 9.1 billion (34% higher than today). Food production will need to increase by 70% to feed the larger and most likely more urban population. More food will have to be produced using less land. In addition water and energy will become limiting factors. (FAO, 2009)
Food Production: Sustainable food production is “a method of production using processes and systems that are non-polluting, conserve non-renewable energy and natural resources, are economically efficient, are safe for workers, communities and consumers, and do not compromise the needs of future generations” (Foresight, 2011).
Food Consumption: The quantity of food eaten by a person so as to allow growth and provide energy to the body.
Actions to make food production more sustainable
- Use natural resources efficiently
- Protect the quality of natural resources
- Protect marine resources
- Procure food ingredients from sustainable sources
- Use environmentally efficient food packaging
- Reduce food waste
Water production and consumption
The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact less than 1 %is available for human use. The rest is either salt water found in oceans, fresh water frozen in the polar ice caps, or too inaccessible for practical usage. While population and demand on freshwater resources are increasing, supply will always remain constant.
“Water use” describes the total amount of water withdrawn from its source to be used. Measures of water usage help evaluate the level of demand from industrial, agricultural, and domestic users. Water can be used for direct and indirect purposes. Direct purposes include bathing, drinking, and cooking. The bulk of the world’s water use is for agriculture, industry, and electricity.
“Water consumption” is the portion of water use that is not returned to the original water source after being withdrawn. Consumption occurs when water is lost into the atmosphere through evaporation or incorporated into a product or plant and is no longer available for reuse. Estimates vary, but, on average, each person uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day, for indoor home uses.
How to Reduce Your Water Footprint
- turning off the tap while brushing your teeth
- using water-saving toilets
- installing a water-saving shower head
- taking shorter showers
- only washing your clothes when necessary
- fixing household leaks
- using less water in the garden and when cleaning
- not disposing of medicines, paints or other pollutants down the sink.