Earth: The Operators’ Manual Episode 1 – Earth: The Operator’s Manual Humans have always needed energy. But what has become critical for our survival these days is how we use that energy. Earth’s population is now nearing 10 billion and civilization depends on vast amounts of energy to function. 80% of what’s used worldwide is provided by fossil fuels. Although these fuels have helped billions of us live better than we ever have before, still a vast amount of people have no access to electricity.