Importance of energy

Energy in everyday lives

From cars to cell phones, pharmaceuticals to plastics and air conditioning to water heating, energy is part of people's lives more than ever before.

But energy's benefits extend far beyond what people use individually at home, at work and on the road. A range of essential activities - including agriculture, computing, manufacturing, construction, and health and social services - depends on access to modern energy.

In addition, many familiar elements of modern life would not exist without the plastics, chemicals and fertilizers made from oil and natural gas.

Global Fundamentals

Consider how modern energy enriches your life. Now consider the 7 billion other people on earth who also use energy each day to make their own lives richer, more productive, safer and healthier.

Then you will recognize what is perhaps the biggest driver of energy demand: the human desire to sustain and improve the well-being of ourselves, our families and our communities.

Through 2040, population and economic growth will drive demand higher, but the world will use energy more efficiently and shift toward lower-carbon fuels.

Learn more in our Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040.