1.3 Global Action On Energy Conservation And Climate Change Flashcards
State the Brundtland Commission definition of sustainable development. {2}
Sustainable development is the kind of development that meets the needs of
the present [1] without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs [1].
The Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability states: “Sustainable
development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Outline why the Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability has
encouraged some governments to reduce their use of fossil fuels. {1}
Some governments are now more aware of their responsibilities with regard to
their current use of fossil fuels. {1}
With reference to this definition, state the main European, UK and NI
government targets with regards to the continued use of fossil fuels as an
energy source, as we approach 2020. {3}
Answer to make reference to the following three government targets;
1. 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions. {1}
2. 20% increase in energy produced using renewable sources. {1}
3. 20% cut in energy consumption. {1}
State the Northern Ireland targets for 2020 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas
emissions and improving energy efficiency. {1}
Northern Ireland’s target for 2020 aims to acquire 40% of electricity from
alternative energy sources, reducing the dependency on coal,
oil and gas.
In 2007 new environmental targets were adopted by the European Commission
including three main proposals which were to be achieved by 2020
Identify the three main components of the European 2020 targets.
1: ______________________ {1}
2: ______________________ {1}
3:_____________________ {1}
Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 20% by 2020 taking 1990 emissions
as the reference. [1]
Increase energy efficiency to save 20% of energy consumption by 2020. [1]
To reach 20% of renewable energy in the total energy consumption
by 2020. [1]
Assess the validity of using nuclear energy as a
viable alternative to both fossil fuels and renewable energy sources. {5}
Reference should be made to the relative energy densities of a fossil fuel {1},
renewable source {1} and nuclear source {1}.
Answers should provide details of how fossil fuels {1} and renewable sources
{1} compare to nuclear energy.
Discuss the use of nuclear power stations as a viable alternative to coal fired
power stations. Your discussion should focus on two different factors. {4}
Discussion should focus on any two of the following points;
• Energy density: Nuclear fuels have a very high energy density (compared
with coal) so very small quantities are required. This reduces transport and
storage requirements.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Nuclear power stations produce little or no
greenhouse gases so they do not contribute to global warming. They do not
rely on combustion to release energy (unlike coal).
• Cost: The cost of building (and decommissioning) nuclear power stations is
very high (compared with coal fired power stations). The cost of the fuel
(uranium) is low because small quantities are required.
• Safety: If there is an accident, large amounts of radioactive material could
be released into the environment.
• Health: Nuclear power stations produce radioactive waste which is toxic and
must be disposed of and stored very carefully. If this is not done correctly it
can cause adverse health effects such as cancer and birth defects. Nuclear
waste remains active and is hazardous to health for thousands of years.
Outline two different reasons why nuclear fuel may be seen as a viable
alternative to fossil fuels. {4}
1: Nuclear fuel does not release greenhouse gases during electricity production. This
will help countries reach their targets for cutting emissions/it will slow down the rate of
global warming. [2]
2: Nuclear fuel has a high energy density. Less fuel is required to generate the
same quantity of electricity which reduces the number of power stations
required/reduces the amount of mining required. [2]
Explain the term Energy Density. {1}
Energy density is the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of
space per unit volume or mass.
(i): Discuss the use of renewable fuel as a viable alternative to non-renewable
fuels. {2}
(ii): Discuss the use of nuclear fuel as a viable alternative to non-renewable
fuels. {2}
(i): Table 1 shows that wood has a low energy density. This means that
renewable energy from biomass requires a larger amount and supply of fuel
than a power plant that runs on coal, oil or gas.
(ii): Table 1 shows that uranium has a much higher energy density than both
wood and fossil fuels indicating that a very small amount is needed to produce a
large amount of energy.
Discuss one method which could be used by a government to reduce the use of
fossil fuels. {2}
Any one from the following:
• Renewable energy sources need to be used [1] for example renewable
technologies such as wind farms and solar farms as these technologies can
produce energy without using fossil fuels. [1]
• Investment in nuclear power plants [1] to replace fossil fuel power stations,
therefore reducing the need for fossil fuels. [1] [2]
