Unit 3: Energy Resources and Populations

I took this photo of the entrance to Brilla Colombia! at the Bogotá Botanical Gardens in December 2019

Right before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (aka Coronavirus), I attended the Brilla Colombia light show at the Botanical Gardens in Bogota. The theme was "Gigantes de Luz", using 500 enlarged and illuminated figures to highlight the biodiversity that inhabit the seven most important ecosystems of Colombia. The light show was spectacular and I learned a lot about the charismatic species that were represented.

I did wonder how much energy was consumed to run this show for just over 8 weeks. As a demographic group transitions from agrarian to industrialized lifestyles, the average wealth increases. Per capita, this frees up more time for recreation and leisure activities, more money to spend on stuff, and more ways to use more energy. What do you use energy for, in your life? What are the sources of energy that supply power to your lifestyle? How can we meet the energy needs for a growing human population? What can we do to minimize our impact on climate as more countries industrialize?

As of 2024, Colombia’s energy mix is primarily composed of hydropower, which accounts for about 57-60% of the nation’s electricity. Fossil fuels contribute around 39% of the energy mix, with natural gas comprising close to 20%, coal about 15%, and oil the remaining 4%. Other renewable sources like solar and biofuels play a smaller role, collectively contributing around 5% of Colombia’s electricity. Despite significant hydropower use, Colombia continues to expand its renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in wind and solar, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and diversify its energy sources further

Sources: Climate Home News Low Carbon Power Wikipedia Our World in Data

Summative— Debate

The Great Energy Debate

In-class group debate about the merits of each type of energy source. The components of this assessment that will be graded include the debate performance, debate reflection, and one energy-based FRQ. All grades are individual.

1. Energy Efficiency and Conservation (Math)

2. Air Pollution

3. Human Populations

4. Modeling Demographic Transition

Summative— DBQ about demographic transition

The DTM can be divided from stages 1 to 5. Currently, no UN-recognized nation is classified in stage 1 of DTM, though there are some uncontacted tribes that may be. You will be assigned four countries representing the remaining stages of DTM. Be prepared to classify their stage of DTM of these countries with justification, make accurate calculations with unit conversions and using demographic formulas, and link infectious diseases to status of development.