P1 Trends in Energy Resource Use (page 177) Flashcards
Why is it over time, the types of energy resources we use change?
There are lots of reasons for this
Breakthroughs in technology
Understanding more about how they affect the environment
Changes in cost, and many more….
At the moment 2023, what energy fuels do we currently depend on?
we currently still depend on Fossil Fuels.
Over the 20th Centure, why has the electricity use of the UK hugely increased?
it hugely increased as the population grew, and people began to use electricity for more and more things.
Why has electricity been decreasing (slowly) since the beginning of the 21st century?
its because we get better at making appliances more and more efficient (see page 172) and become more careful with energy use in our homes.
How is some of our electricity produced?
its produced using fossil fuels and from nuclear power.
Generating electricity isn’t the only reason we burn fossil fuels, what other reasons do we burn fossil fuels?
Oil (diesel and petrol) is used to fuel cars.
Gas is used to heat homes and cook food.
Why are we trying to increase our use of renewable energy resources?
We now know that burning fossil fuels is very damaging to the environment, which has been triggered by many things like:
fossil fuels is very damaging to the environment (see page 176).
Non-renewables will run out one day
Pressure from other countries and the public
Car companies changing to electri and hybrid cars.
Why do people want to move away from fossil fuels and move to renewable energy resourses?
We now know that burning fossil fuels is very damaging to the environment, this makes many people want to use more renewable energy resources that affect the environment less.
People and governments are also becoming increasingly aware that non-renewables will run out one day, so what reason do you think people want to move away from fossil fuel energy regarding knowing this?
Many people think it’s better to learn to get by without non-renewables before this happens.
What pressure from other countries and the public has meant that governments have begun to introduce targets for using renewable resources?
By introducing targets for using renewable resources, this in turn puts pressure on energy providers to build new power plants that use renewable resources to make sure they do not lose business and money.
Car companies have also been affected by a change in attitue towards the environment, what have they done do change from fossil fuel to renewable energy cars?
They have designed Electric cars and Hybrids (cars powered by two fuels, e.g. petrol and electricity) - these are already on the market and their popularity is increasing.
What infulence can scientists give on using renewable energy?
by explaining theres a lof of scientific evidence supporting renewables, but although scientists can give advice they don’t have the power to make people, companies or governments change their behaviour. (see page 2).
Why are some energy providers reluctant to build new renewable power plants?
Building new renewable power plants costs money, and because fossilfuels are so cost effective they are reluctant to do this.
The cost of switching to renewable power will have to be paid, either by customers in their bills or through government and taxes.
Some people dont want to or can’t afford to pay, and there arguements about whether it’s ethical to make them.
Even if new power plants are built, what are the arguements over where to put them?
many people don’t want to live next to a wind farm, so it causes protests. There are arguements over whether it’s ethical to make them, as people put up with wind farms built next to them when they may not agree with the reasons for their use.
Some energy resources like wind power are not as reliable as traditional fossil fuels, why?
as wind power and other resources can not increase their power output on demand. This would mean either having to use a combination of different power plants (which would be expensive), or researching ways to improve reliability.
