Ch3 Global Action on Energy Conservation

Question 1

State the Brundtland definition of sustainable development.

Answer 1

Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs

Question 2

What were the 3 EU energy targets for 2020

Answer 2

1. 20% reduction in GHGs
2. 20% of energy to come from renewables
3. 20% improvement in energy efficiency

Question 3

Set in 2010 what was NIs target for energy from renewables by 2020

Answer 3

40%

Question 4

What is carbon trading

Answer 4

A system where countries are given carbon permits and can trade unused portions to encourage emission reduction

Question 5

What are 3 disadvantages of carbon trading

Answer 5

1. Open to Fraud
2. Rich countries benefit more by paying fines than actually reducing emissions
3. Difficult to accurately measure emissions

Question 6

What are 3 advantages of carbon trading

Answer 6

1. Financial incentives to reduce emissions
2. Government gain an element of control over this major industry
3. Should help the environment if emissions are lowered by the scheme

Question 7

What advantages does nuclear power hold that makes it a viable alternative to fossil fuels?

Answer 7

• High energy density
• Lower fuel costs
• Lower GHG emissions

Question 8

What are the drawbacks of nuclear power?

Answer 8

• Failures can cause to catastrophic events e.g Chernobyl in 1986
• High costs to set up and decomission nuclear power plant
• Waste from these plants poses high risk to life

Question 9

Compare the energy density of uranium to coal

Answer 9

• Uranium
  83,000,000 MJ/kg
• Coal
  30 MJ/kg