Final answer:
The change in energy consumption in the United States during the past 100 years is due to population growth and technological advancements using fossil fuels. Various factors contribute to the high energy usage in the United States, such as consumerism, comfort standards, and transportation practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The change in energy consumption in the United States during the past 100 years is due to various factors. One significant factor is the growth in the human population, which accounts for one-tenth of the increase in energy use. The rest of the increase is attributed to new technologies that use fossil fuels as a source of power, such as transportation, detached housing, and industrial practices.
For instance, the prevalence of consumerism, diet, comfort standards, and transportation all contribute to the higher energy consumption in the United States compared to other countries. Figures and data indicate a dramatic rise in energy use over 200 years, primarily driven by the increased use of fossil fuels. In the middle of the twentieth century, the United States had a disproportionate share of global energy resources, using more than ten times the global average of oil and gas despite having only 6% of the world's population.
In conclusion, the change in energy consumption in the United States over the past 100 years is primarily due to population growth and technological advancements using fossil fuels. The high energy usage in the United States is a result of various factors, including consumerism, comfort standards, and transportation practices.