This paper, intended for instructors and students in undergraduate courses in geography and environmental studies, discusses the significance of energy to our life and our life-styles. The document is designed to be used in a variety of ways--as background reading for a mini-conference on energy legislation and the geographic problems that are involved; as a substitute for the traditional text material; as an example of differing methodological approaches to the topic; or as required outside reading. There are five parts. Part I discusses the solar energy base of life, concepts of efficiency in agriculture, and the role of livestock. Part II treats renewable and nonrenewable resources, depletion and estimation of reserves, coal and nuclear fuels, solar energy, water power, biomass fuels, wind power, and geothermal energy. The benefits and costs of energy use are examined in Part III. Part IV discusses energy conservation and distribution and the politics involved. An annotated listing of sources of statistical information is provided in Part V. A bibliography citing resources relevant to each part is also included. (Author/RM)