Share of Electricity from Fossil Fuels

Data, Graphs, and Maps

Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Science, Geography, 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
Open Resource

What it is

  • In this data resource from Our World in Data, students can see the percentage of electricity each country gets from fossil fuels.
  • Students can see the data, beginning in 1985, as a map, graph, or table.

Teaching tips

Positives
  • Students can easily isolate countries in a certain numerical range on the map by hovering over that range in the map's key.
  • The data in this resource is continually updated, keeping this resource relevant.
Prerequisites
  • Students should understand what fossil fuels are and that there are alternative forms of energy.
Differentiation & Implementation
  • Students can discuss the impact of fossil fuel use on climate change and research alternative methods for energy.
  • Health classes can talk about the health implications of getting most of the energy from fossil fuels, including air pollution and climate change-induced health impacts.
  • Economics classes can pair this resource with the Fossil Fuel Finance Report 2023 to get a bigger picture of the fossil fuel industry.

From the scientist review

This historical data beginning in 1985 shows the share of electricity production from fossil fuels. The variable time span is from 1985 and on. The method used for electricity conversion is appropriate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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