Worldwide consumption of energy sources is projected to rise by nearly 50% between 2006 and 2030.

Worldwide consumption of energy sources is projected to rise by nearly 50% between 2006 and 2030.

The energy we capture for use on Earth comes largely from the sun or from nuclear forces local to our own planet.

The energy we capture for use on Earth comes largely from the sun or from nuclear forces local to our own planet.

Less than 2% of the U.S. supply of natural gas is imported from outside North America.

Less than 2% of the U.S. supply of natural gas is imported from outside North America.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

The British Thermal Unit, or Btu, is frequently used as a measure for energy content of fuels. One gallon of gasoline contains about 124,000 Btu.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.

The ampere, or amp, is the most commonly used measurement for electric current.

The ampere, or amp, is the most commonly used measurement for electric current.

The ampere, or amp, is the most commonly used measurement for electric current.

In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.

In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.

In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.

Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.

Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.

Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.

Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.