Energy Literacy

WHAT IS ENERGY LITERACY?

Energy Literacy is an understanding of the nature and role of energy in the world and daily lives accompanied by the ability to apply this understanding to answer questions and solve problems.

An energy-literate person:

• can trace energy flows and think in terms of energy systems

• knows how much energy he or she uses, for what, and where that energy comes from

• can assess the credibility of information about energy

• can communicate about energy and energy use in meaningful ways

• is able to make informed energy and energy use decisions based on an understanding of impacts and consequences

• continues to learn about energy throughout his or her life

Why Does Energy Literacy Matter?

A better understanding of energy can:

• lead to more informed decisions

• improve the security of a nation

• promote economic development

• lead to sustainable energy use

• reduce environmental risks and negative impacts

• help individuals and organizations save money

Without a basic understanding of energy, energy sources, generation, use, and conservation strategies, individuals and communities cannot make informed decisions on topics ranging from smart energy use at home and consumer choices to national and international energy policy. Current national and global issues such as the fossil fuel supply and climate change highlight the need for energy education.

Energy Literacy is a Part of Social and Natural Science Literacy

A comprehensive study of energy must be interdisciplinary. Energy issues cannot be understood and problems cannot be solved by using only a natural science or engineering approach. Energy issues often require an understanding of civics, history, economics, sociology, psychology, and politics in addition to science, math, and technology. Just as both social and natural science are a part of energy literacy, energy literacy is an essential part of being literate in the social and natural sciences.