Eco, Soc & Env impacts of different energy sources Flashcards
State the environment costs associated with Biomass
Not carbon neutral.
Deforestation in tropical areas, causing habitat loss and potential loss of biodiversity.
State the environmental costs associated with Nuclear power.
Waste disposal issues (long half life, no immediate, permanent solution).
Leaks possible.
Extremely rare but still potential for nuclear disasters (from accidents & rouge states.
State the environmental costs of wind arrays.
Death of birds through bird strikes.
Land loss and potential degradation.
The hum of wind turbines can disturb wildlife.
Visual impact (social), less so offshore.
State the environmental costs of HEP
Large areas of land required, however, often low value land.
Habitat loss due to large areas needing to be flooded to form the reservoir.
Disruption to ecosystems, e.g. Fish migration.
State the environmental costs of solar power and solar farms.
Large areas of land required. But often low value land e.g. Deserts or unused areas such as roofs.
Water security.
State the environmental costs of geothermal energy.
Minor costs - installation has a small environmental impact.
Sulfur dioxide is still released, however in small negligible amounts.
