Energy
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18. Energy decissions

Energy conservation vs. energy efficiency

Energy conservation is the practice of trying to use less energy in order to lower costs and reduce environmental impact.

Energy efficiency means using specific products designed to use less energy.

These two concepts are inherently similar but involve different methods. Examples of energy conservation include using smart appliances and energy-saving bulbs in your home.

Energy decisions

 Will we have enough energy to fuel our society and our economy?
 Can we continue to use energy without causing irreparable harm to Earth's climate system?
 How much effort and resources are we willing to invest into alternative energy sources?
 Can sufficient energy be distributed fairly, safely, and economically to all parts of the globe?

The answers to these questions are dependent on the decisions we make about energy.

Decisions concerning the use of energy resources are made at many levels. Humans make individual, community, national, and international energy decisions. Each of these levels of decision making has some common and some unique aspects.
Energy infrastructure has inertia. The decisions that governments, corporations, and individuals made in the past have created today's energy infrastructure. The large amount of money, time, and technology invested in these systems makes changing the infrastructure difficult, but not impossible. The decisions of one generation both provide and limit the range of possibilities open to the future generations.
Energy decisions are influenced by environmental factors. Environmental costs of energy decisions affect energy decision-making at all levels. All energy decisions have environmental consequences.
Energy decisions are influenced by social factors. Questions of ethics, morality, and social norms affect energy decision-making at all levels. Social factors often involve economic, political, and environmental factors.