Chapter 3 Flashcards
What was the main aims for the bruntland commision
Increase each nations awareness and co-operation of the damaging affects of human activity on planet earth.
State the bruntland definition of sustainable development
To ensure it meets the needs of the present without compramising the ability of the future generation to meet its own needs
What is the first significant global meeting that can relate to the bruntland commision
The kyoto protocall which under this protocall all nations had to make their targets.
What where the three targets set by the EU in aims of reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- achieve 20% of its final energy consumption by 2020
- reduce its energy use by 20% by 2020
- Decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020
What is the uk target in aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
15% of final energy consumption is supplied by renewables by 2020
What percentage of electricity consumtion did arlene foster aim to have by renewables
40% by 2020
Why does a nation need to prioritise renewable development
In terms of fuel security nations relying on other nations to provide an unintermittent and affordable flow of fossil fuels could be dangerous as the nation with the reserve could cause an economy crisis if they ask for voulitile prices. If a nation maximises its consumption through renewables this will give them bigger fuel security and protect them from volatile fuel prices.
Why do nations need to reduce energy usage
because fossil fuels are a finite source and will run out
State three ways a nation can lower energy usage
- energy performance certificates - these are on the back of devices to incentivise a consumer to buy a product thats cheaper to run
- Taxation on heavy polluting cars
- Bans on low effieciency devices like filament bulbs.
What is the energy density of a fossil fuel compared to uranium
fossil fuel= 30 MJ/ KG
Uranium 83,000,000 MJ/KG
Compare nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewable energys in terms of greenhouse gas emissions
Renewables- mostly give of non apart from biomass but as it absorbs co2 while it grows its considered carbon neautrual
Fossil fuels- all fossil fuels emit harmful gases into the environment with coal being the dirtiest
Nuclear energy- produce next to zero green house gas emissions
Compare nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewable energys in terms of safery
Renewable energy- they are extremely stable unless a major manufacturing defect took place
Fossil fuels- power plants are safe if all safety procautions are taken any damages can be localised
Nuclear power - if a nuclear power plant does fail the side affects are devastating as toxic radiation will enter that atmosphere and travel by wind
Compare nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewable energys in terms of cost
renewables- Depending on size it can either be thousands or millions
fossil fuels- they are more expensive than renewable power plants like biomass
nuclear- Extremely high building cost, hard to get planning permission and decommission cost for disposing of toxic waste.
Compare nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewable energys in terms of health
Renewable- next to no affects on peoples health as issue like shadow flicker are taken care of in planning
fossil fuels- dangerous gases and particles are given off which can lead to cancers and also asthma
nuclear- hazerdous materials can be given off in times of exploisens which can cause death
