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  • Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
How did people benefit from energy transitions in the United Kingdom?
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Historic energy transitions, primarily driven by fossil fuels, significantly improved human well-being, measured through consumer surplus. In the UK, transitions from stagecoaches to railways to cars, and from candles to gaslight to electric lighting, substantially increased consumer surplus. However, these benefits diminish as societies reach high well-being levels.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Sociology
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/02/2023
How do people in Nigeria and Ghana experience energy insecurity?
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Energy insecurity in Nigeria and Ghana is a pressing issue, with challenges in accessing affordable and clean energy. Nigerians face more severe experiences, including social exclusion, while Ghanaians deal with payment responsibilities and cooking methods. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving energy access in both countries.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Cultural Geography
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
12/16/2022
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected energy insecurity in the United States?
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The COVID-19 pandemic worsened energy insecurity in the US, particularly for vulnerable populations. Prior to the pandemic, around 25% of low-income households struggled to pay energy bills, but during the early months of the pandemic, nearly 13% couldn't afford them. Racial and ethnic disparities were exacerbated, with Black and Hispanic households facing higher odds of disconnection

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Health, Medicine and Nursing
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/03/2022
How the power of machines transformed the world
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Throughout history, humans relied on their own muscles and later utilized draft animals and machines to perform physical tasks. The transformative impact of waterwheels, windmills, and the steam engine marked significant milestones in human energy history. Now, the transition to clean energy is crucial to mitigate the environmental impact and shape a sustainable future.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
06/12/2023
How the price of lighting decreased 12,000-fold in the United Kingdom
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The transition from traditional lighting methods to modern illumination in the United Kingdom has had significant social, economic, and environmental consequences. Historically, lighting services relied on candles made from animal fat, but the 19th century saw the introduction of new fuels such as town gas, kerosene, and eventually electricity.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Economics
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
07/03/2023
Is Boston on track to be carbon-neutral by 2050?
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Boston strives for carbon neutrality by 2050, but faces hurdles with its reliance on fossil fuels. Buildings contribute most to emissions, driven by electricity and natural gas. Decarbonizing the grid and eliminating natural gas are vital for success. While progress has been made, meeting targets remains uncertain. Priorities include electrifying buildings, local energy planning, coastal resilience, and climate justice.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Cultural Geography
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
11/03/2022
Is U.S. Department of Energy spending aligned with the nation’s needs?
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The United States government has a long history of supporting energy-related research and development (RD&D). However, federal support for civilian energy RD&D has declined significantly since the creation of the Department of Energy (DOE). Recent spending decisions prioritize fossil fuels over clean energy, hindering efforts to address the carbon problem and decarbonize our society.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Political Science
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
05/08/2023
Is the United States government doing enough to reduce energy poverty?
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Energy poverty is a significant concern in the United States, with over one in four households experiencing insecurity. Government programs like LIHEAP and WAP aim to address this issue, but funding levels often fall short of the need. A more comprehensive approach is necessary, considering the impact on well-being and addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Political Science
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/13/2022
Is wind energy a major threat to birds?
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Concerns about wind turbines causing bird deaths are often exaggerated. Data shows that bird fatalities from wind turbines are relatively low compared to other causes like domestic cats and building collisions. When assessing the relative impact on bird mortality, wind energy appears less harmful than many other forms of electricity generation.

Subject:
Applied Science
Biology
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Life Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/09/2023
Long run consumption and price of energy services in the United Kingdom
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Roger Fouquet's research on the United Kingdom highlights the remarkable growth in energy consumption over centuries. Factors like fuel shifts, improved efficiency, and changing preferences drove the increases. However, efficiency gains led to the rebound effect, where saved energy was partly offset by increased consumption.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Economics
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
05/29/2023
Maximum efficiencies of engines and turbines, 1700-2000
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Throughout human history, the development of new machines to replace and enhance human and animal labor has played a major role in the energy sector. Key advancements include combustion engines and turbines, which convert fuels like gasoline and natural gas into useful work.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
06/26/2023
Oil spills: when, where, how big?
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Oil spills have been a persistent problem since the start of the oil industry. Millions of wells and trillions of barrels of oil extracted have resulted in significant environmental impact. Accidents in the complex supply chain release toxic crude and refined oil, posing health risks and requiring costly cleanup. Safety measures have improved, but unreported spills remain a concern.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
03/06/2023
Power plant efficiency since 1900
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The efficiency of a thermal power plant is the ratio of the electricity output to the energy input, taking into account the heat losses. Over the years, the average efficiency of thermal power plants using fossil fuels in the United States has significantly increased, from 4% in 1900 to 43% in 2023. This improvement is attributed to reducing heat loss in the three main energy conversion processes: fuel combustion, steam generation, and electricity generation.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
07/24/2023
Seventy-five years of world uranium production and resources
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Uranium is crucial for nuclear power generation, supplying 10% of global electricity. The largest recoverable uranium resources are held by Australia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Russia, and Namibia. Major uranium consumers rely on imports due to limited domestic production, leading to significant international trade in uranium products.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Engineering
Environmental Studies
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
04/03/2023
Two centuries of declining prices for personal transportation in the United Kingdom
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Access to personal mobility has played a crucial role in people's life satisfaction, with personal vehicles revolutionizing daily life since the early 1900s. The number of global car registrations has dramatically increased over the years, reaching 1.1 billion in 2019. The energy historian Roger Fouquet explored the impact of personal transportation services in the United Kingdom from the 14th to the 20th century, revealing the economic, social, and environmental changes brought about by the expansion of personal travel.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Economics
Environmental Studies
Social Science
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
07/17/2023
United States electricity history in four charts
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Electricity in the United States has seen remarkable growth, with a significant shift from coal to renewable energy sources. Government policies and technological advancements have played a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape. President Biden's goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 highlights the need for continued progress in policy, technology, and public perception.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
History
U.S. History
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
02/21/2023
United States energy history in two charts
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The United States has experienced a substantial increase in energy consumption over time, driven by factors like population growth and technological advancements. The transition from forests to coal, followed by oil and natural gas, has shaped the country's energy sources. However, fossil fuels still dominate energy use, highlighting the need for a rapid shift towards renewable and low-carbon alternatives.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
History
U.S. History
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
02/20/2023
Watch the history of hydropower plants in the United States
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More than 4000 hydroelectric dams have been built in the United States since the late 19th century, representing six percent of all-time additions to electric generation capacity from all sources.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
History
U.S. History
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/16/2023
Watch the history of oil power plants in the United States
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In 2022, the US had about 4,000 petroleum-burning generators, providing only 0.6% of the nation's electricity due to lower efficiency and higher costs than alternatives. These smaller generators are mainly used for peak power and emergency backup, with policies since 1978 discouraging their use to reduce oil dependence for national security.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
History
U.S. History
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
09/25/2023
Watch the history of solar power in the United States
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In 2022, the United States saw a significant rise in solar power generation, with 5730 utility-scale solar PV plants and 13 solar thermal plants producing 146 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, equal to 3.4% of total utility-scale generation. This growth traces back to the 2000s, marked by falling solar system costs, enhanced efficiency, and government incentives like the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Subject:
Applied Science
Career and Technical Education
Environmental Studies
History
U.S. History
Material Type:
Case Study
Diagram/Illustration
Reading
Provider:
Boston University
Provider Set:
Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability
Date Added:
10/09/2023