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.
Millions of people die each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in inefficient stoves. Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and other illnesses are major contributors to these deaths. Access to clean cooking fuels is closely linked to lower death rates, with countries having universal access showing the lowest rates.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest-ever federal program focused on energy and the environment, allocating $369 billion over a decade. With a laser focus on climate change, the IRA aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and enhance climate resilience. Its provisions have the potential to create jobs, lower electricity costs, and significantly contribute to meeting the US climate targets.
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.
Many US households, particularly low-income, minority, and renting households, face a high energy burden, spending a significant portion of their income on fuel and electricity. In 2020, 27% of households reported difficulty paying energy bills. Federal programs provide some relief, but addressing the underlying causes of social inequity is crucial for long-term energy security.
While moving up the income ladder is generally accompanied by increased energy use, there are significant variations within income groups. Factors such as the economy’s structure, geography, climate, lifestyle, public policy, and consumer attitudes also influence how effectively energy use translates into income.
Increased energy use per capita is linked to decreased poverty rates. Modest energy increases can lead to significant poverty reduction, but the relationship is not always linear. Factors like governance and social policies also influence poverty levels. Beyond a certain threshold, further energy increases have diminishing returns.
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.
Boston relies on fossil fuels for over 70% of its energy needs, with natural gas and refined oil being the dominant sources. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Boston is increasingly focusing on low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power, hydropower, wind, and solar energy.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures overall well-being beyond economic growth, focusing on health, education, and income. Countries with low development levels use less energy, and small energy increases lead to significant HDI improvements. Energy efficiency improvements can be made without compromising quality of life, addressing environmental concerns and promoting equity.
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.
Millions of people die each year due to indoor air pollution caused by the combustion of solid fuels and kerosene in inefficient stoves. Heart disease, stroke, COPD, lung cancer, and other illnesses are major contributors to these deaths. Access to clean cooking fuels is closely linked to lower death rates, with countries having universal access showing the lowest rates.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the largest-ever federal program focused on energy and the environment, allocating $369 billion over a decade. With a laser focus on climate change, the IRA aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and enhance climate resilience. Its provisions have the potential to create jobs, lower electricity costs, and significantly contribute to meeting the US climate targets.
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.
Many US households, particularly low-income, minority, and renting households, face a high energy burden, spending a significant portion of their income on fuel and electricity. In 2020, 27% of households reported difficulty paying energy bills. Federal programs provide some relief, but addressing the underlying causes of social inequity is crucial for long-term energy security.
While moving up the income ladder is generally accompanied by increased energy use, there are significant variations within income groups. Factors such as the economy’s structure, geography, climate, lifestyle, public policy, and consumer attitudes also influence how effectively energy use translates into income.
Increased energy use per capita is linked to decreased poverty rates. Modest energy increases can lead to significant poverty reduction, but the relationship is not always linear. Factors like governance and social policies also influence poverty levels. Beyond a certain threshold, further energy increases have diminishing returns.
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.
Boston relies on fossil fuels for over 70% of its energy needs, with natural gas and refined oil being the dominant sources. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Boston is increasingly focusing on low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear power, hydropower, wind, and solar energy.
The Human Development Index (HDI) measures overall well-being beyond economic growth, focusing on health, education, and income. Countries with low development levels use less energy, and small energy increases lead to significant HDI improvements. Energy efficiency improvements can be made without compromising quality of life, addressing environmental concerns and promoting equity.