With the close link between economic growth and energy consumption, the rise in rapid urbanization in most countries has allowed the amount of annual global energy use to increase as well. From a 2010 survey by the International Energy Agency, urban areas are responsible for 70% of global energy-related carbon emissions, a figure that will continue to rise as the trend of urbanization continues. The issue of carbon emissions is tied with the misuse of energy in households and the extensive use of fossil fuels to meet these demands.
In the U.S. petroleum, natural gas and coal have provided more than 80% of their total energy usage. With renewable energy sources only supplying a mere 10% of it. These figures can be applied to a majority of countries worldwide, with some relying almost all on fossil fuels. The abundance of fossil-fuel power plants has led to the total release of 10,000 million metric tons since the 1900s. With the rise in the number of urbanized cities, these numbers will continue to exponential rise. A 2013 report from the Global Carbon Project found that carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have reached their highest level in human history.
In order to help reduce our usage in energy we need to address our mismanagement in energy usage. On average nearly 61% of the energy that flows through the U.S. economy is wasted. This inefficiency is the result of poor household practices – leaving lights on when not in use, leaving unused electronics plugged in, etc. However, since the cooling and heating of houses account for half of the energy consumption in a household, poor insulation is another major factor that may people don’t consider. Also replacing old appliances and bulbs with new energy efficient ones, provide a significant amount of energy and cost savings for the average family. So until we minimize the energy we waste at home, the cost of urbanization might be at the risk of destroying the environment around us.
Overpopulation: A Thermodynamic Approach 