Key definitions

Question 1

Acidification

Answer 1

The gradual reduction of pH of the oceans, due to dissolving CO2 from the atmosphere.

Question 2

Afforestation

Answer 2

Planting trees and vegetation in the aim of increasing forest cover.

Question 3

Biofuel

Answer 3

Burning crops and vegetation for electricity and heat.

Question 4

Carbon Capture & Storage

Answer 4

The capture of CO2 emissions directly from the factory, pumped into dissed mines rather tha being released into the atmosphere.

Question 5

Carbon Flux

Answer 5

Movement of carbon between stores.

Question 6

Carbon Neutral

Answer 6

Process that has no net addition of CO2 to the environment.

Question 7

Carbon stores

Answer 7

Places where carbon accumulates for a period of time , such as rocks and plant matter.

Question 8

Choke points

Answer 8

Points in the logistics of energy and fuel that are prone to restriction.

Question 9

Combustion

Answer 9

Process of burning a substance, in the presence of oxygen, to release energy.

Question 10

Decomposition

Answer 10

Break down of matter, often by a decomposer which releases CO2 through their own respiration.

Question 11

Energy Mix

Answer 11

Composition of a country’s energy sources.

Question 12

Energy security

Answer 12

The ownership and full control of a country’s energy source, production and transportation.

Question 13

Energy pathway

Answer 13

Movement of energy from its extraction or source, through pipes, freight, logistics o0r cabling.

Question 14

Energy players

Answer 14

Key companies and individuals who own, distribute and sell energy sources.

Question 15

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Answer 15

The build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.

Question 16

Inorganic carbon

Answer 16

Carbon stored in carbonated rocks.

Question 17

Non-renewable

Answer 17

Source of energy that can only be used once to generate electricity or takes thousands of years to replace e.g Fossil Fuels.

Question 18

Nuclear fusion

Answer 18

Process of joining atomic nuclei together, to produce energy.

Question 19

OPEC

Answer 19

Oil and petroleum exporting countries. An organisation that supports and coordinates fossil fuel exporting countries.

Question 20

Organic Carbon

Answer 20

Carbon stored in plant material and living organisms.

Question 21

Outgassing

Answer 21

The release of dissolved CO2 (e.g at plate boundaries, warming the oceans)

Question 22

Photosynthesis

Answer 22

The process of converting CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen; all plants and some organisms rely on this process to survive.

Question 23

Phytoplankton

Answer 23

Small organisms that rely on photosynthesis to survive, so intake CO2 from the atmosphere.

Question 24

Primary energy

Answer 24

Initial source of energy, as it is naturally found. This could be natural ores, water, crops or radioactive material.

Question 25

Renewable

Answer 25

Primary energy that can be re-used to produce electricity or has a short lifetime, therefore any used can be replaced quickly e.g Hydroelectric, biomass, solar.

Question 26

Respiration

Answer 26

Process of converting glucose and oxygen into CO2 and energy; some organisms rely on respiration to survive.

Question 27

Secondary energy

Answer 27

Product of primary energy, mostly electricity.

Question 28

Sequestration

Answer 28

Transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to stores elsewhere- living biosphere, inorganic rock etc.

Question 29

Thermohaline Circulation

Answer 29

Movement of volumes of seawater from cold deep water to warm water surface water.

Question 30

Tipping point

Answer 30

A critical threshold where any changes to a system after the tipping point are irreversible.

Question 31

Urbanisation

Answer 31

The growth of populations in towns and cities.