counting the cost of reliance of fossil fuels

Question 1

Study the graph in the figure below and answer the questions which follow.

Describe the trend in demand for renewable energy shown in the figure above. {2}

Answer 1

The demand for renewable energies increases as the global demand increases. {1}

As the supply of fossil fuels declines demand for renewable sources continues to increase. {1}

Question 2

Identify two factors that contribute to this trend.

Answer 2

Any two from;
Increase in world population.
Increase in the use of goods / materials.
Increased travel.
Decrease in fossil fuel sources.

Question 3

Name one emerging economy and explain its role in the trends shown in the figure above.
Name of emerging economy -

Answer 3

Any one named emerging economy. {1}

The emerging economy demonstrates increased fuel demand for transportation, industrial growth and increased standard of living, in this way it contributes to the rising global demand. {1}

The additional demand also contributes to the decline in fossil fuel supplies as these are used up more rapidly. {1}

The high energy demand however also contributes to the rising demand for renewable energy as the emerging economy seeks to supplement and secure its energy supplies. {1}

Question 4

Discuss the global economic impact of key emerging economies in relation to demand for fossil fuel supplies. Your discussion must include three different points.

Answer 4

1: An increasing population and longer life expectancies in emerging economies causes an increase in demand for heating and transport which use fossil fuels. [2]

2: Greater economic growth in emerging economies leads to increasing wealth in the population. This increases demand for goods and services which use fossil fuels. [2]

3: Industrial growth in emerging economies leads to increase in the manufacture of plastics, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods which use fossil fuels as a raw material and as a source of energy. [2]

Question 5

Fossil fuel use in emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China has been rising steadily. This is the opposite of the trend in more developed countries, such as France and the UK, where fossil fuel use is in decline.

Describe two different reasons why fossil fuel use in emerging economies, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China, is rising.

Answer 5

Any two of the following:

In emerging economies there is a high demand for fossil fuels from industry for energy provision and manufacture.

The impact of increasing population resulting in increasing demands for fuel for heat, electricity, transport etc.

In emerging economies, the population has greater lifestyle expectations resulting in greater demands for energy and products which use fossil fuels in their manufacture and production.

Question 6

Explain the concept of fuel security.

Answer 6

Fuel security refers to a nation’s ability to access a continuous affordable supply of (fossil) fuels.

Question 7

Outline two ways that a country can enhance its fuel security.

Answer 7

Any two from:

• Reduce dependency on fossil fuels [1]
• Form political alliances with fuel rich countries [1]
• Develop alternative indigenous fuel
supplies, e.g. renewable energy, biomass [1]