How Much Clean Electricity Do We Really Need?

Provided by: TED |Published on: April 27, 2021

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Synopsis

In this TED video, climate author Solomon Goldstein-Rose explains that we need to produce twelve times more clean electricity to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Students will learn that the global energy system must be rebuilt to fulfill increased energy demands, provide electricity access to developing nations, and compensate for things that cannot be electrified.

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Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Engineering

Authors: Solomon Goldstein-Rose, TED

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

Although we need to produce twelve times the amount of clean electricity we produce today, the video's message remains hopeful.
The video explains that reliable electricity access can lift people out of poverty.
The transcript is available in nine languages and contains a read-along feature for students who need support.

Prerequisites

Students should understand how fossil fuel production contributes to climate change and what will happen if current fossil fuel use continues.
Students should understand the terms net-zero emissions and net-negative emissions.

Differentiation & Implementation

Math classes can compare the units of petawatts to kilowatts, megawatts, gigawatts, and terawatts.
Geography classes can use the Electricity Energy Infrastructure and Resources Interactive Map to locate renewable and nonrenewable energy plants.
Teachers can follow this resource with this course on clean energy sources.

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How Much Clean Electricity Do We Really Need?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

Scientist Reviewed

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