Increasing global production & consumption of energy (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Specification link

This page covers section 10.5.1 of the CIE IGCSE specification .

• 10.5.1- Reasons for the increasing global production and consumption of energy.

Reasons for increasing global energy production

Spec point — Reasons for the increasing global production and consumption of energy.

• Energy sources are not evenly distributed across the world

• Some areas produce very little energy due to a lack of natural resources or because they do not have the money to exploit the resources

• The main producers of fossil fuels for primary energy are:

  • USA
  • Canada
  • Norway
  • Russia
  • Australia
  • Middle East

Global distribution of fossil fuels and nuclear fuel

• The world's largest producers are often the largest consumers of energy
• Countries are investing more to try and achieve energy security
• Energy production is growing due to the increased demand for energy

Reasons for increasing global energy consumption

Increasing energy demand

• Global energy demand is rising rapidly

Graph showing world energy demand by source.

Reasons for increasing energy consumption

• Population growth and development are the key drivers of increased energy consumption because of:

  • Food production:

    • The higher demand for food leads to more intensive farming, which needs more energy for machines, light and heat

  • Industrial growth:

    • Factories need energy for operations, heating, and lighting

  • Transportation:

    • Increased movement relies on petrol, diesel, and electricity

  • Urbanisation:

    • Increasing urban population use domestic appliances, heating, and lighting

  • Economic development:

    • Rising wealth leads to people buying more appliances and technology that need energy