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How much land does it take to power the world?

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TEDEd Animation

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No matter how we make electricity, it takes up space. Coal requires mines, and plants to convert it into electricity. Nuclear power takes uranium mines, facilities to refine it, a reactor, and a place to store the spent fuel safely. Renewable energy needs wind turbines or solar panels. So how much space would it take to power the whole world? Explore the sustainability of different power sources.

What are some of the reasons we continue to use fossil fuels even though we have cleaner energy options available?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Lisa LaBracio
  • Script Writer Elizabeth Cox, George Zaidan
  • Narrator Jack Cutmore-Scott
  • Director of Animation Vicente Nirō, AIM Creative Studios
  • Storyboard Artist Wing Luo
  • Animator Ana Luísa Farinha, Cristina Neto, Alexandre Sousa
  • Compositor Daniela Carvalho
  • Music André Aires
  • Sound Designer André Aires
  • AIM Creative Studios Producer Tom Knight
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor George Zaidan
  • Fact-Checker Jennifer Nam

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