Which two trends are leading to a rapid increase in energy usage or demand?

• A. Decreased consumption and shrinking population.
• B. Improved efficiency and reduced demand.
• C. Stable population and no growth in demand.
• D. Increased consumption and a growing population.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that energy demand grows when more people use energy and when each person uses more energy. If the population increases and per-person energy use rises, total energy demand climbs quickly because you’re multiplying more people by more energy per person.

That’s why the trend of increased consumption together with a growing population leads to a rapid rise in energy usage. When people consume more energy and there are more people, the overall demand compounds.

In contrast, scenarios with decreased consumption, improved efficiency, a stable population with no growth in demand, or any combination that lowers energy use or keeps numbers flat would not produce rapid energy-demand growth.