Consuming Energy Resources Flashcards
Name the 3 categories of energy resources
Renewable, Non-renewable and recyclable.
Name some ways of producing energy that damage the environment
Mining, habitats get destroyed and Drilling oil spills into oceans
What are some negatives of wind energy?
Take up lots of space, constant humming noisy and the blades can kill or injure birds or bats
What are some negatives of solar energy?
Heat reflected from mirrors can kill wildlife
Not reliable in areas with little sun
What are some negatives of Hydro Electric power?
Cause other issues e.g. flooding further downstream and they are very expensive to build. Also requiring lots of water and land.
What factors have an impact on a country’s access to energy?
Technology, geology, accessibility (permafrost), climate and landscape.
Why do developing countries use very little energy?
As they have more primary industry e.g. agriculture which uses very little energy.
What can oil supply and oil prices be affected by?
conflicts, diplomatic relations, recessions (lower demand) and economic booms (higher demand so prices increase)
Give examples of an oil reserve and unconventional gas
Tar Sands and fracking
Why is fracking bad for the environment?
It pollutes groundwater and drinking water due to the chemicals used.
Why are Tar sands bad for the environment?
Liquid waste is produced which is full of harmful chemicals which can pollute water supplies if not managed properly.
Also the vast amount of space needed devastates habitats.
In what ways can the demand for energy be reduced?
By conserving energy and making energy use more efficient.
What is energy conservation?
Changing our behaviour e.g. driving less, and drying our clothes on a line rather than using a dryer.
What is energy efficiency?
If something is energy efficient it does the same job but using less energy. e.g. low-energy lightbulb
Where are two areas where the demand for energy can be effectively reduced?
The Home and Transport
How can the demand for energy be reduced in the two areas?
Insulation, solar panels - HOME
Improving public transport or encouraging walking
Hybrid cars combine diesel and electric power to increase efficiency. They use electricity hen possible and recharge their batteries using diesel power.
What are the 3 main advantages to reducing the use of fossil fuels
Improving energy security (having a reliable and affordable supply of energy available)
Reducing carbon footprint
Diversifying the energy mix
Why is diversifying the energy mix a good thing?
Having a diverse energy mix reduces a country’s reliance on a single source of energy which increases energy security.
Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels will also make non-renewable energy sources …… ……
Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels will also make non-renewable energy sources last longer.
Give 5 examples of sustainable energy sources
HEP, solar energy, wind energy, biofuels and hydrogen fuel.
What is a cost to hydrogen fuels?
It isn’t easily accessible, and is flammable so therefore dangerous.
What is a cost of biofuels?
Growing crops for biofuels is leading to deforestation in some areas.
Who are the 5 groups who have contrasting views about energy futures?
Consumers, TNC’S, Governments, climate scientists, and environmental groups.
What are the 3 main reasons for attitudes to energy futures changing?
Due to education, rising affluence and environmental concerns.
Give two factors that are used to calculate ecological and carbon footprints
Food and travel.
Why is the distribution of global energy uneven?
Climate- solar power needs large amount of sun
Technology may be too expensive
Landscape- wind turbines
Accessibility e.g. permafrost.
Describe TNC’s attitudes to sustainability?
Usually favour business as usual (want most profit)
Describe the governments attitude to sustainability
Under pressure from consumers to protect environment, however fossil fuels help emerging countries to develop
Describe consumers attitude to sustainability?
Favour cheap supply on energy, but want secure energy.
What are the impacts of oil extraction?
Scarring landscapes and loss of habitats
Impacts of deforestation?
Loss of habitats and carbon emissions (greenhouse effect)
Impacts of wind turbines?
Unsightly, noise pollution and can kill birds
Impacts of Coal mining?
Scarring of landscape
Why is demand for energy increasing?
Due to population growth, and industrialisation. Also higher disposable income (multiplier effect)
Factors affecting price of energy resources
Conflicts (relations between countries) e.g. Iraq and Sudan meaning they won’t supply fuel to the country
Demand is low = prices drop
Demand is high = prices rise
Name methods of being more sustainable (London)
Congestion charges discourage people from driving through London
Cycle hire encourages alternative transport
Energy efficient homes result in less wasted energy
What ways can the demand for energy be reduced?
Energy conservation (changing behaviour e.g. driving less) Energy efficiency (same job requiring less energy e.g. low-energy lightbulb)
How can transport reduce the demand for energy?
Improving public transport and encouraging walking
Hybrid cars use electricity when possible and only recharge their batteries using diesel
Regenerative braking- Fitted with devices to store the energy lost under braking and use it later.
What are the 3 main advantages to reducing the use of fossil fuels?
Improving energy security
Reducing carbon footprints (greenhouse gas emissions)
Diversifying the energy mix
How is having a diverse energy mix beneficial
Reduces a countries reliance on one energy resource which increases security as the country is less affected by shortages meaning less risk of energy deficits.
What is an energy deficit?
Where the amount of energy produced isn’t enough to meet a populations needs.
Why are attitudes to energy futures changing?
Due to rising affluence, education and environmental concerns.
How can you calculate your carbon/ ecological footprint?
Food, Home, Travel, Lifestyle
