Energy (9) Flashcards
3 categories of energy sources + examples
Renewable: WIND, SOLAR, HEP
Non-renewable: FOSSIL FUELS
Recyclable: NUCLEAR, BIOMASS
Environmental impacts of Mining?
-Strips away large areas or soil, rock and vegetation, permanently scarring the landscape
-Habitats are destroyed to make way for mines - loss of biodiversity
-Clearing forests affects the water cycle - less vegetation to absorb water -> soil erosion
-Releases greenhouse gases (eg. CO2) -> global warming
Environmental impacts of Drilling?
-Land must be stripped of vegetation to make way for drills and roads (site access)
-Oil spills can cause major damage
-Extracting gas can cause methane to leak -> global warming
Environmental impacts of Wind Energy?
-Large numbers of turbines are required -> takes up a lot of space
-Produce a constant humming noise - noise pollution for residents
-Spinning blades on turbines can kill or injure birds
Environmental impacts of Solar Energy?
-Some solar farms use ground and surface water to clean panels -> water shortages
-Heat reflected from mirrors in solar farms can kill wildlife (eg. birds)
-Solar panels built on the ground can disrupt habitats
Environmental impacts of HEP?
-Use dams to trap water for energy, creating a reservoir which floods land
-The river on which the dam is built can be affected by changes in water flow (sediment is deposited in the reservoir rather than further downstream)
-A build-up of sediment can block sunlight, causing plants/algae to die (can’t photosynthesise)
What is access to energy affected by? (5 factors)
Technology
Geology
Accessibility
Climate
Landscape
Explain technology in ‘Access to energy is affected by many factors’
-Some countries are unable to exploit their energy sources as the tech required is too expensive or unavailable
-Eg Niger has large uranium reserves, but cannot develop nuclear energy plants
-Developing countries often have to rely on fossil fuels - more polluted
Explain Accessibility in ‘Access to energy is affected by many factors’
-An area may have large energy reserves, but be unable to access them
-Permafrost makes it difficult to access fossil fuels
-Some resources are found in protected areas (eg. Antarctica)
Explain Climate in ‘Access to energy is affected by many factors’
-Solar power requires large amounts of sunlight to generate energy
-Countries with sunnier climates (eg. Spain) can use solar power mire effectively than UK
Explain Landscape in ‘Access to energy is affected by many factors’
-Wind turbines are more effective in areas with reliable sources of wind (high ground/along the coast)
-HEP usually requires rivers (mountainous) and steep valleys (reservoirs)
Energy Consumption Distribution for all 3 types or country
Developed: Consume lots of energy - can afford to
-Most people have access to electricity and heating and use energy-intensive vehicles
Emerging: Consume less energy that developed, but more than developing
-Increasing wealth - buying more energy-intensive devices
-Large manufacturing industry - energy powers equipment
Developing: Consume least energy
-Less able to afford the energy
-Less energy available for their lifestyle
Factors affecting Oil Prices and Supply
Conflicts
Diplomatic Relations
Recessions
Economic Booms
How can energy demand be reduces (Homes)
Insulation
- Insulating walls, roofs and floors
- Double-glazed windows
Modern boilers:
- More efficient than older models - use less energy
Solar Panels:
- Provides renewable, low-carbon energy
How can energy demand be reduced? (Transport)
Hybrid Cars:
- Use electricity to run - resulting in less emissions
Regenerative braking:
- Devices can store energy lost under braking to be used later on returned to National Grid
-Public Transport Improvements
-Encouraging walking, cycling, trains, buses
-Reduces demand as more people use the same transport
