How Much Electricity Does It Take to Power the World?
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Provided by: TED-Ed|Published on: May 23, 2022
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This TED-Ed video explains how electricity is generated, how much electricity demand is expected to increase, and how innovations in clean energy technology will revolutionize the energy sector.
- Students will learn that switching to electric power is only part of the solution for combatting climate change. The clean energy sector will have to expand to serve the growing global population while eliminating fossil fuel use.
Subjects: Physics, Engineering
Authors: Lisa LaBracio
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video offers a comprehensive explanation of the steps needed to power the world with electricity while also combating climate change.
- The animations and visuals make this video appropriate for a wide audience.
- The Dig Deeper tab includes additional resources and links, including a carbon footprint calculator, and a website that provides actionable steps people can take to reduce their electricity usage.
Prerequisites
- Students must enter their names to take the quiz in the Think section. This is only allowed for students who are 13 years of age or older.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Social studies or geography classes can discuss the growing need for power around the world. Students could reflect on the fact that more than one billion people do not have reliable electricity access and think of ways that the global population can work together to ensure clean electricity for all people.
- Economics classes can discuss the economic opportunities in the renewable energy sector as well as the potential for government subsidies and grants.
- Physics classes can discuss the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission.
- Other related resources include this interactive map displaying the share of electricity production from coal and this podcast about the benefits and challenges of wind and solar power.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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