Non-Renewables and Limitations on the Use of Renewables Flashcards
Energy
1
Q
how are Non-renewables reliable?
A
- fossil fuels and nuclear energy are reliable
- there is enough fossil and nuclear fuels to meet current demand
- we always have some in stock so power plants can respond quickly to changes in demand but these fuels are slowly running out
2
Q
how does Non-renewables create environmental problems?
A
- coal, oil and gases release CO2 into the atmosphere when they’re burned, all this leads to global warming
- acid rain is caused by burning coal and oil as it releases sulfur dioxide, it makes lakes and rain acidic killing wildlife and nature
- nuclear power is clean but the waste is dangerous and difficult to get rid of
3
Q
why do we still need Non-renewables?
A
- use of electricity increased a lot in the 1900s because the population and the number of things that used electricity
- the electricity used in the UK has been falling slowly since around 2000 because we are trying harder to be energy efficient and save energy
- we use non-renewables for electricity, transport and heating
4
Q
why do people want to use more renewable energy resources?
A
- they are better for the environment and many people think its better to move on to the renewables as they are better for the environment
- car companies have had to become more environmentally friendly by selling electric cars and this electricity can be generated using RER
5
Q
how is the use of renewables limited?
A
- building new renewable power plants costs money
- some renewables are less reliable that other resources so a mixture would be used, costing more money
- cars that run on electricity are more expensive than petrol cars
6
Q
how can renewables be affected by different things?
A
- the cost of switching to renewable power will have to be paid through energy bills or taxes
- governments don’t want to suggest raising taxes as this may make them unpopular
- some think its unethical to make people put up with new power plants built near them
