The graph shows energy consumption in the US from 1980 to 2012, and projected consumption to 2030.
Petrol and oil were the dominant fuel sources throughout this period, with 35 quadrillion (35q) units used in 1980, rising to 42q in 2012.Despite some initial fluctuation, from 1995 there was a steady increase. This is expected to continue, reaching 47q in 2030.
In 1980, energy from nuclear, hydro and solar/wind power was equal at only 4q. Nuclear has risen by 3q, and solar/wind by 2q. After slight increases, hydropower has fallen back to the 1980 figure. It is expected to maintain this level until 2030, while the others should rise slightly after 2025.
Overall, the US will continue to rely on fossil fuels, with sustainable and nuclear energy sources remaining relatively insignificant.
The graph shows the increase in the aging population in Japan, Sweden, and the USA. It indicates that the percentage of elderly people in all three countries is expected to increase to almost 25% of the respective populations by the year 2040.
In 1940, the proportion of people aged 65 or more stood at only 5% in Japan, approximately 7% in Sweden, and 9% in the US. However, while the figures for the Western countries grew to about 15% in around 1990, the figure for Japan dipped to only 2.5% for much of this period, before rising to almost 5% again at the present time.
In spite of some fluctuation in the expected percentages, the proportion of older people will probably continue to increase in the next two decades in the three countries. A more dramatic rise is predicted between 2030 and 2040 in Japan, by which time it is thought that the proportion of elderly people will be similar in the three countries.
