Money spent to subsidize the consumption of fossil fuels (as opposed to production) worldwide fell from $500 billion to $325 billion in 2015. It is one step on the long road to combating climate change. We wonder: Which of the following energy categories receives the greatest global consumption subsidies annually?
A. Coal
B. Natural gas
C. Electricity
D. Oil
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In cities with hotter climates, air conditioning units in every window are a sign of a rising middle class. But mounting temperatures have also made air conditioning in developing countries a necessity for urban survival. We wonder: Which of the following statements about the global rise of air conditioning are true?
A. India will soon see more air conditioners installed than any other country.
B. AC units add significant electricity demands.
C. Air conditioners can be made at least 25% more efficient.
D. Air conditioning coolants need to be replaced to slow global warming.
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The ability to turn on a light, heat a home, use a computer, or keep food and medicine cold is something most people don’t think much about — until they lack the electricity to do these things. For many Africans, it is a daily problem. We wonder: What percentage of Sub-Saharan Africans have regular access to electricity?
A. 20%
B. 32%
C. 55%
D. 99%
Over two-thirds of Sub-Saharan Africans lack access to electricity. But how much electricity do people really need to live a modern lifestyle? The International Energy Agency defines “modern energy access” as having at least 100 kilowatt hours per year. We wonder: How long would it take the average American to burn through this much power?
Americans are known to have an energy-intensive lifestyle, with the average citizen consuming over 13,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. But in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, power consumption is dramatically lower. We wonder: Which of the following common appliances uses about as much electricity in a year as the average Nigerian?
