A Worldwide Habit

Consider the simple act of boiling water for a cup of coffee. There are numerous methods to achieve this—whether through electricity, gas, wood, coal, or solar energy. Each method serves the same purpose, but energy consumption extends far beyond just boiling water. It encompasses our everyday activities, from heating our homes to illuminating our spaces, and even the costs associated with these services.

Technological Transformation

In the last fifty years, many tasks that were once performed by humans have been replaced by electric appliances. From dishwashers to personal grooming devices, the shift towards automation is apparent in both our homes and workplaces. A poignant reminder of this is my great-grandfather's typewriter, a fascinating piece of machinery gifted to me on my tenth birthday. I cherished its mechanical sounds and vintage print, using it to craft stories and heartfelt letters. However, as technology evolved, the typewriter became obsolete, overshadowed by supercomputers that offered limitless capabilities. To visitors today, it’s merely a nostalgic decoration rather than a cherished heirloom.

The Ubiquity of Energy

Since my birth in 1991, the global population has surged from 5 to 8 billion. During this same period, residential electricity consumption has skyrocketed from 10,000 to over 25,000 Terawatt-hours (TWh), illustrating a staggering increase in energy use.

As I reflect on my daily routine, I find myself at my desk, utilizing various devices—all of which consume electricity: my computer, headphones, Kindle, and even the electric heater warming the room. I am also enjoying mate made with water heated on the electric stove. Each notification on my phone and the light overhead that I just remembered to turn off adds to this tally.

An Eye-Opening Experiment

This realization prompted me to conduct a small experiment: I tracked how often I actively used electricity over three days. The result was astonishing—an average of 121 uses per day, which translates to nearly eight times each hour I am awake.

The Marvel of Electricity

Electricity enables us to illuminate dark spaces, prepare meals, undergo advanced medical procedures, and communicate with friends across the globe in an instant. It is truly the lifeblood of contemporary living. Having grown up in an age where these conveniences are taken for granted, it is sobering to note that just over three decades ago, over a billion people lived without electricity. Today, that figure remains significant, with 770 million individuals—mainly in Africa and Asia—still lacking access. This reality starkly contrasts with our own experiences and highlights the disparity in energy access.

The Core of the Issue

Energy is at the heart of our climate crisis, embodying both a challenge and a potential solution. The majority of our electricity is generated from fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Over half of global electricity consumption comes from residential and commercial sectors, driving an increase in carbon dioxide emissions linked to energy use.

Our Actions Matter

The choices we make daily profoundly affect the health of our planet. Wealthy nations, comprising only 15% of the global population, consume 40% of the world's fuel and nearly half of its electricity, leading to significant environmental impacts. The inequity becomes even clearer when we consider that the top 10% of emitters are responsible for approximately 48% of global CO2 emissions, while the bottom half contributes only 12%.

A Simple Calculation

In 2022, the world generated 179,000 TWh of energy. If distributed evenly, this would equate to 22,375 kWh per person annually, a figure that aligns with the average consumption in countries like Argentina and Portugal.

The Challenge Ahead

The real challenge of our time lies in curbing consumption. We live in a society that thrives on excess, with countless opportunities to consume at our fingertips. How often do we turn on lights unnecessarily or check our phones out of habit?

This focus on superficial pursuits distracts us from what truly matters. The planet is facing severe challenges, yet we continue to consume wastefully, often preoccupied with trivialities. If we allow unimportant matters to overshadow critical issues, we risk losing sight of what brings meaning and fulfillment to our lives.

A Path Forward

To create a fair and vibrant world, we must embrace simplicity and functionality. Small, consistent actions can lead to meaningful change. We can all contribute by turning off lights we don’t need, unplugging devices, and becoming more mindful of our energy use.

This conscious effort is the essential light we need in our lives.

Thank you for engaging with this important discussion!

If you seek deeper insights into climate change, scientific advancements, and geopolitical matters with a unique Patagonian perspective, consider subscribing to the Antarctic Sapiens newsletter for thought-provoking content delivered weekly.