A short essay on whether the USA uses energy resources effectively and what would be the possible effects of misuse on the health of the population

Use of Energy Resources in the USA
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Use of Energy Resources in the USA
The efficient use of energy resources, also referred to as energy efficiency refers to the objective to reduce the amount of energy that is consumed in the provision of services and products (Sovacool & Brown, 2010). The use of energy resources in the United States of America is relatively efficient compared to other developed countries. Out of the world’s 23 top energy-consuming nations, the United States of America was ranked number four in 2017 by The International Energy Efficiency Scorecard (Sovacool & Brown, 2010). As at 1st of July 2017, the District of Columbia alongside thirty states had adopted policies on energy efficiency (Sovacool & Brown, 2010). These policies which are voluntary goals, pilot programs or mandated requirements are designed with the view of lowering the soaring consumption of energy and preventing the potential negative impacts of misuse of energy resources on the health of citizens and the environment (Sovacool & Brown, 2010). The states have either updated existing standards on energy efficiency or created new ones to control the utilization of the energy resources.
The misuse of energy resources has far-reaching negative impacts on the health of populations. Overutilization of energy resources triggers irreversible changes in the ecosystem which negatively impact on the health of residents. The extraction and processing of non-renewable energy resources always involve large-scale interventions on the ecosystem which pollute soil, water, and air thereby exposing people to various health risks (Sovacool & Brown, 2010).

Even the extraction of renewable energy entails the use of materials and in some instances chemicals which act as environmental pollutants. If the energy resources are misused, then there will be the need for increased extraction and processing of energy resources which consequently increases the health risks to the populations.
Reference
Sovacool, B. K., & Brown, M. A. (2010). Competing dimensions of energy security: an international perspective. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 35, 77-108.