Consuming energy resources Flashcards
Non renewable energy sources
Finite resources (fossil fuels), once used up, they cannot be replaced
Renewable energy sources
Infinite resources, they will never run out (wind, solar and HEP)
Recyclable energy resources
Energy sources that can be reused (nuclear and biofuel)
Negative impacts of oil drilling
Oil spills
Open cast mining uses huge amounts of water
What has driven the global energy use
Development of emerging countries such as China, India and Brazil
How do energy uses differ as a country develops
Developing - Small energy mostly in homes (fuelwood and biofuels such as dung)
Emerging - Large amounts of energy for manufacturing (coal)
Developed - Increased demand for energy (gas and coal) but made elsewhere
Why can oil prices vary
Economic reasons (OPEC members restrict supplies to keep prices high)
Political reasons (conflict, Iraq war closely linked to global oil supplies)
What 4 factors is the global oil price linked to
- Demand (high demand causes prices to rise)
- Supply (too much oil and the price falls)
- Political decisions (countries can increase supply too increase income and gain control of markets)
- New supplies (Fracking in the USA has caused oversupply and prices have fallen)
Issues with tar sands oil extraction
Requires large quantities of energy and water
Unconventional, shale gas and tar sands extraction is only possible because of technological advancements and high energy prices
Give ways to reduce carbon footprint
Solar water heating
Energy efficient lights
Transport technology and initiatives (hybrid buses)
Two possibilities for the future of global energy use
- Business as usual (assumes the world will continue to rely on fossil fuels)
- A sustainable future (renewables are adopted to reduce CO2 emissions)
What different groups have different views about energy futures
energy companies want to provide energy
Climatologists believe that the current energy mix is not sustainable enough and is leading to rapid climate change
What are individual reasons that energy futures are increasing
Affluence places greater pressure on the planet
Food miles increase as people demand more exotic foods, however people in developed countries ‘care more’ about the environment and resources with rising affluence.
Why is education and action essential to the future of the planet.
- We can teach more people about sustainability, focussing on local actions people can take
- Change attitudes to climate change (promote recycling)
