During the 1970s we began to use more oil than we could reproduce. Moving into the 80’s ‘Earth Overshoot Day’ was created to mark on which day our yearly oil consumption entered ‘negative equity’. Worryingly this year that day fell on 2nd of August well over three months earlier than it did during the 1980s.
So what does this mean?
Despite our levels of unsustainable oil consumption, our levels of use are growing year on year. The fact remains that fossil fuels, like oil, are still one our planet’s leading energy resources.
The International Energy Agency predicts that our global consumption of oil will grow from 89 million barrels a day to 105 million in 2030. This amount of consumption will have a negative and damaging effect on the environment, aiding global warming and climate change.
Shockingly 58% of our daily oil consumption comes from just ten countries so let’s take a look just who is the worst countries for oil consumption…
1. USA
20% of Earth’s daily oil consumption comes from The United States. A mind boggling 18.96 million barrels are used every single day. This means The US currently consumes double the next worst country and uses more than the third and fourth worst combined. Even more frightening is the fact that America is also the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil.
2. China
With China having the largest population on Earth there’s no surprise it’s consumes a huge amount of oil. Due to its emerging global market the nation is currently consuming 10.48 million barrels of oil on a daily basis. Interestingly though, oil only accounts for 20% of its energy as coal still ranks as its number 1 fuel source. Although China only uses half of what the States devours it is the world’s 4th highest oil producer.
3. Japan
They’ll be no bronze medal for Japan on our list as they currently guzzle 4.55 million barrels of oil a day. They do stand out on the list however because practically all of Japan’s oil imported making them increasingly dependent on foreign exports.
4. India
India is now the world’s fourth worst country for consuming oil with its usage tripling over the past 20 years. 3.66 million barrels are used daily which is scary when you consider coal is still the nation’s main source of fuel.
5. Russia
Synonymous with oil, Russia is the world’s number 1 oil producer and fifth worst country for its daily usage. 3.49 million barrels are consumed by the nation but a staggering 10.3 million and produced every day.
6. Brazil
Known more for its samba and football, Brazil is actually the sixth worst country for its oil usage. The Brazilians consume 3 million barrels a day and is also South America’s largest oil producer. An astronomical 13.5 billion barrels worth of oil is in reserve with 90% of that owned by offshore companies.
7. Saudi Arabia
Formally the largest producer of oil, Saudi Arabia manages to use 2.96 million barrels of oil a day. The country has steadily increased its use of oil over the last 30 years. The Saudis still produce a colossal 10.4 million barrels of oil per day.
8. Germany
Europe’s worst oil consumer. Despite a decline in recent years the Germans still manage to guzzle 2.7% of the planets daily oil reserves. 2.43 million barrels are consumed on a daily basis.
9. Canada
Given the size of the country there’s no surprise that Canada is one of the worst consumers of oil. Every day 2 million barrels are used making them ninth on our list.
10. The Republic of Korea
Making the top ten of the world’s worst oil consumers is The Republic of Korea who get through 2.32 million barrels a day. Their usage has stayed the same now since 1995.
