1.2 Counting The Cost Of Reliance Of Fossil Fuels

Question 1

a (ii); Describe the trend in demand for renewable energy shown in the figure
above. {2}

Answer 1

The demand for renewable energies increases as the global demand increases.
{1}
As the supply of fossil fuels declines demand for renewable sources continues
to increase. {1}

Question 2

a (ii) – Identify two factors that contribute to this trend. {2}

Answer 2

Any two from;
Increase in world population.
Increase in the use of goods / materials.
Increased travel.
Decrease in fossil fuel sources. {2}

Question 3

Name one emerging economy and explain its role in the
trends shown in the figure above.
Name of emerging economy. {1}
Explanation. {3}

Answer 3

Any one named emerging economy. {1}
The emerging economy demonstrates increased fuel demand for transportation,
industrial growth and increased standard of living, in this way it contributes to
the rising global demand. {1}
The additional demand also contributes to the decline in fossil fuel supplies as
these are used up more rapidly. {1}
The high energy demand however also contributes to the rising demand for
renewable energy as the emerging economy seeks to supplement and secure
its energy supplies. {1}

Question 4

Discuss the global economic impact of key emerging economies in relation to
demand for fossil fuel supplies. Your discussion must include three different
points. {6}

Answer 4

1: An increasing population and longer life expectancies in emerging economies
causes an increase in demand for heating and transport which use fossil fuels. {2}
2: Greater economic growth in emerging economies leads to increasing wealth in the
population. This increases demand for goods and services which use fossil fuels. {2}
3: Industrial growth in emerging economies leads to increase in the manufacture of
plastics, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods which use fossil fuels as a raw material
and as a source of energy. {2}

Question 5

Fossil fuel use in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China
has been rising steadily. This is the opposite of the trend in more developed
countries, such as France and the UK, where fossil fuel use is in decline.

Describe two different reasons why fossil fuel use in emerging economies, such
as Brazil, Russia, India and China, is rising. {4}

Answer 5

Any two of the following:
In emerging economies there is a high demand for fossil fuels from industry for
energy provision and manufacture. {2}
The impact of increasing population resulting in increasing demands for fuel
for heat, electricity, transport etc. {2}
In emerging economies, the population has greater lifestyle expectations
resulting in greater demands for energy and products which use fossil fuels in
their manufacture and production. {2}

Question 6

(a). Explain the concept of fuel security. {2}
(b). Outline two ways that a country can enhance its fuel security. {2}

Answer 6

(a):
Fuel security refers to a nation’s ability to access a
continuous affordable supply of (fossil) fuels. {2}

(b):
Any two from:
Reduce dependency on fossil fuels {1}
Form political alliances with fuel rich countries {1}
Develop alternative indigenous fuel supplies, e.g. renewable energy, biomass {1}

Question 7

In 2015 delegates from more than 190 countries
gathered in Paris to agree a new global pact on climate change aimed at
altering greenhouse gas emissions. Many countries ratified the Paris
agreement in 2016.
Explain why countries will have to reduce their use of coal-fired electricity in
order to alter their greenhouse gas emissions. {2}

Answer 7

Burning coal to produce electricity releases carbon dioxide gas which is a
greenhouse gas. {1}
It is implicated in causing global warming and climate change. To reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, countries will have to burn less fossil fuel. {1}

Question 8

Describe two ways in which the global use of fossil
fuels impacts on the environment. {4}

Answer 8

Any two points from the following;
Habitat degradation {1} caused by e.g. rising sea level rises,
desertification and polar icecaps melting. Plants and animals cannot adapt to
the new environment and do not survive in it {1}.

Impact on biodiversity {1}; loss of species results in less food for other
species so there is a knock on effect on biodiversity {1}.
Air quality reduction {1}; combustion of fossil fuels produces Sulphur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides which form acid rain. Combustion also produces
soot particulates which cause breathing difficulties {1}.

Land and water contamination {1}; disturbing the geology of a region to
extract fossil fuels leads to water becoming contaminated with e.g. toxic metals.
This water is not safe to drink. Land contamination can come from the process
of extraction and also disposal of the waste from fossil fuels and combustion
{1}.

Question 9

Explain how fossil fuel use has had a detrimental effect on the environment with
reference to the following:
Habitat degradation: {2}
Air quality reduction: {2}

Answer 9

Habitat Degradation – Habitats can be destroyed through the mining and
transportation of fossil fuels. If the mining is long-term then workers often build
roads and housing in an area which was earlier untouched, therefore changing
the use of the land. {2}

Air Quality Reduction – The burning of fossil fuels creates emissions such as
carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. This air pollution can
create acid rain which can weaken plant species and alter the pH of soils. {2}