Final answer:
Coal was the primary energy source for U.S. electricity generation in 2009, followed by nuclear and natural gas. To address climate change, analyzing the emissions impact and planning for sustainable energy use are essential. The U.S. energy mix is changing, with natural gas overtaking coal but renewables still playing a modest role.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pie chart of natural resources percentage provided shows the main source of energy used in power plants in the United States in 2009, with coal accounting for the largest share at 48.5 percent. To understand this chart in terms of climate change, scientists need to examine the impact of these energy sources on greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. As for future generations, it is crucial to consider the sustainability and renewal capacity of these energy resources, with an emphasis on transitioning towards renewable energy such as solar and wind.
Understanding the energy consumption trends, it's apparent that the U.S., which once dominated global energy use, is now experiencing a shift in its energy mix, with natural gas replacing coal, reflecting a change potentially driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions. The rise of renewable resources has been more modest compared to the switch from coal to natural gas.
As of 2018, the U.S. energy was still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with 80% of energy coming from them, highlighting the ongoing challenge in reducing reliance on these non-renewable sources and increasing the contribution of renewables for a more sustainable energy future.