Nuclear and Renewables in Total Electricity Production
Data, Graphs, and Maps
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Physics, Mathematics
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Our World in Data
What it is
- This resource from Our World in Data includes an interactive line chart and data table that compare the distribution of energy sources that make up the total electricity production.
- Students can view the percentage of fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energy used by country or by continent starting from the year 1985.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The resource has data for many countries, so students are likely to find information for their country of study.
- Students can easily find related data to expand their exploration.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand the difference between fossil fuels, renewables, and nuclear energy.
- Students should also know the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can make a chart comparing the greenhouse gas emissions, health impacts, and costs for each energy source listed. Project Drawdown's Table of Solutions can help facilitate this research.
- After viewing this data, students can dive deeper into renewable energy with the Renewable Energy Student Lab.
- Economics students can discuss the political and economic barriers that keep countries from reducing the use of fossil fuels.
From the scientist review
The resource evaluates the share of electricity production in the world. Electricity mix data from BP was used; however, this is appropriate. Hence, students can explore the chart to visualize units of energy produced in different countries. This resource is suitable for teaching.
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