Energy touches virtually every part of daily life in the modern world. Historically, demand for energy has grown with population increases, industrialization and other major human events. World population more than tripled between 1850 and 1970, with total energy use increasing more than 12-fold over the same period.
In 21st century America, energy demand is growing at a rate approximately equivalent to the rate of economic growth.
The cost of energy plays a significant role in energy consumption and, therefore, demand. Cheap, abundant energy has historically helped fuel economic growth. Increasing energy costs tend to suppress economic activity and reduce energy consumption by individuals.
Despite the importance of energy to every aspect of our lives, many Americans are not acquainted with the knowledge necessary to make informed energy decisions or determine what can be done to manage and conserve energy resources.
