Worldwide energy consumption

varies dramatically, but the impacts are shared by all. The most commonly used fuel sources for energy around the world are the fossil fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas. Combustion of fossil fuels releases pollutants into the atmosphere, where the emissions from all countries combine to cause local, regional, and global issues. One of the primary pollutants of concern is carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide emissions are responsible for climate change, and governments around the world have taken steps to control carbon dioxide levels, but not all countries have been successful in reducing carbon emissions.

While all countries produce pollution, and emit greenhouse gases, the emission releases are very unequal across the globe. Consider what kinds of factors would determine how much energy is used by a country, a region, a household, or an individual. What factors would influence the fuel choices made by these people and institutions?

For this assignment you will conduct research to determine the common fuel sources, sources of emissions, and applicable regulations of a country of your choice. The PG Library has created a library resource with references for you to use to start this assignment. You are also welcome to utilize the Reading assignments in your textbook and other credible sources that you find. The PG Library is also available to search other scientifically-based sources to support your assignment. Keep in mind that Wikipedia is not considered a reliable resource.

  1. Define and provide examples of each:
    1. Fossil fuels, non-renewable energy, and renewable energy.
  2. Identify a country that uses fossil fuels as its primary source of energy.
    1. Discuss why the country continues to rely on fossil fuels.
    2. Provide examples of manufactured products or agriculture that are dependent upon fossil fuel use in that country. Consider the level of industrialization in the country and discuss.
  3. Discuss impacts of the continued use of fossil fuels:
    1. Include both local and global impacts.
    2. Discuss both long- and short-term impacts on:
      1. The environment, human health, and economy. Be specific and detailed in your discussion.
  4. Identify at least one regulation or law that the country put in place to reduce or control emissions and/or air pollution.
    1. What factors were the regulation or law designed to address.
    2. How effective has this regulation or law been?
    3. Have emissions or pollution levels decreased?
  2. What solutions or new regulations would you implement in order to reduce fossil fuel usage in the country you chose? You can look to other countries around the world or the United Nations for examples of energy and emissions regulations.
  3. Global efforts are being made to reduce fossil fuel usage and pollution. Countries must work together to solve these problems. Review the following references for more information about how countries and individuals can work to combat climate change and bridge cultural differences and answer the following questions.
    • Imperial College London. (2020). Countries must work together on CO2 removal to avoid dangerous climate change. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200608114710.htm
    • TED. (n.d.). Bridging cultural differences. https://www.ted.com/playlists/411/bridging_cultural_differences
    • United Nations. (n.d.). Climate action. Sustainable development goals. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/
      1. Imagine that the country you selected has chosen to work with another country to implement the solution/regulation you recommended in #5 above. What country would they work with on this project and why did you choose that country to partner with?
      2. Analyze possible cultural differences and diversity concepts that would emerge if you recommended your changes stated above to another country? For example, what language barriers or religious and social differences would you encounter? What other cultural differences might need to be addressed as these two countries work together?
      3. Describe how countries can bridge cultural differences through strategic partnerships (e.g., a strategic partnership between countries is an Embassy). Include at least two ways that the cultural differences you identified can be addressed.