America Quote by Mikhail Gorbachev
![“I remember Secretary of State [George] Shultz one day saying that America is an economic model for the world. I replied to him that America represents 5 percent of the world's population and consumes 30 percent of the world's energy. What if everyone in the world lives like Americans? Where do we…” quote by Mikhail Gorbachev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a63/mikhail-gorbachev-2500_america_i-remember-secretary-of-state-george-shu_1590269.jpg)
“I remember Secretary of State [George] Shultz one day saying that America is an economic model for the world. I replied to him that America represents 5 percent of the world's population and consumes 30 percent of the world's energy. What if everyone in the world lives like Americans? Where do we get the energy for this standard of living?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 1990s
America’s consumption model is unsustainable globally; scaling it would strain energy resources.
In simple terms: America uses too much energy for its size.
Key Takeaway
Consider sustainable consumption.
Themes
environment
energy
economics
global equity
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- energy planning
- public awareness
Key Concepts
resource limits
carbon footprint
Questions to Reflect On
- What would a sustainable global lifestyle look like?
- How can energy be shared more equitably?
A Different Perspective
Alternative models may be needed for equity.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
