In 2018, U.S. total primary energy consumption was about 101 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu), which was about 17% of total world primary energy consumption of about 598 quadrillion Btu. The United States’ percentage share of world population was about 4% in 2018.

Generally, we see that a person living in a developed country, which has a highly developed economy, will consume more energy than a person living in a developing country that is non-industrialized and poor. If the economy of a developing country improves, the energy consumption for that country rises.

The use of energy is important to human society for handling problems in the environment. Developed societies use energy resources for agriculture, transportation, garbage collection, information technology and human communication. Making sure energy is used well is needed for any society.

Because of electricity, we can now wash and dry clothes in machines instead of using washboards and clotheslines. We can shave with electric razors, mow our lawns, make milkshakes in blenders, and charge our phones whenever we want.

Affordable, reliable electricity is fundamental to modern life. Electricity provides clean, safe light around the clock, it cools our homes on hot summer days (and heats many of them in winter), and it quietly breathes life into the digital world we tap into with our smartphones and computers.

Energy efficiency is good for you—and for the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the community in which you live. Saving energy reduces air and water pollution and conserves natural resources, which in turn creates a healthier living environment for people everywhere.

First of all, reducing energy use limits the number of carbon emissions in the environment. In turn, conserving energy produces a higher quality of life. Reduced emissions result in cleaner air quality. In addition, it helps create a healthier planet, or at least helps sustain the resources we already have.

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. Economic: Improving energy efficiency can lower individual utility bills, create jobs, and help stabilize electricity prices and volatility.

Globally, the use of energy represents by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. About two thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to burning fossil fuels for energy to be used for heating, electricity, transport and industry.

An increase in carbon footprint The biggest effect of using too much energy is an increase in the so-called carbon footprint, which refers to the amount of carbon dioxide and all its other compounds emitted into the air.

Protect the environment. Energy efficiency is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Homes were responsible for 19 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions in 2016, and implementing energy efficiency measures in your home can significantly reduce your emissions contribution.

Dirty energy damages our environment in other ways, too. While all energy sources impact our environment in some way, fossil fuels/dirty energy cause more harm than renewable energy. This includes water pollution, wildlife and habitat loss—plus all the environmental impacts brought about by global warming.