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

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

By far the largest share of energy in transportation is consumed by cars, light trucks, and motorcycles—about 58% in 2012, followed by other trucks (21%), aircraft (9%), boats and ships (3%), and trains and buses (3%). Pipelines account for 3% and military uses for 2%.

Carbon capture and storage will reduce energy efficiency of a coal plant, though it will decrease carbon emissions.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Increasing market share of compact fluorescents was primarily responsible for the increased lighting efficiency between 2001 and 2010.

Refrigerators are not likely to be used more or less hours in the day, but people are more likely to have more of them if they cost less to operate.

Refrigerators are not likely to be used more or less hours in the day, but people are more likely to have more of them if they cost less to operate.

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

In 2014, about 38% of harvested corn in the US went to make ethanol and its associated coproducts

Biofuels contain carbon and although they may burn “cleaner” than oil-derived fuels, they do not avoid generating carbon dioxide emissions.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%. 

As of 2014, the very best experimental units could convert more than 40% of light energy to electricity; ordinary commercial units are in the range of 5% to 20%.