Relaiance On Fossil Fuels Flashcards
List 4 uses of fossil fuels in modern day life
*Power/electricity
*Transport fuel
*Plastics
*Pharmaceutics
*Fibres
State two pieces of evidence presented by the global scientific community linking the combustion of fossil fuels with global warming and climate change
*Weather patterns; Floods; Increased storms; Famines
*Sea temperature rises
*Ecology changes
*Polar ice caps melting
*Rise in sea levels
(Any 2)
Explain why global action on conservation of fossil fuels and climate change is needed
Conservation is triggered by realisation that the world’s non renewable resources are diminishing and that countries are using fossil fuels at a faster rate especially in emerging economies e.g.
China, India [1].
Climate change has been linked to increasing use of fossil fuels [1].
Global action is needed because the impact of excessive resource use affects the whole world [1].
Identify two pollution problems associated with the use of plastics derived from fossil fuels
*Cannot be broken down by micro organisms [1]. *Incineration produces toxic materials [1].
State one application for photodegradable plastic and describe its impact on crops or the environment
*plastic mulch [1] used as growth promoter for saplings [1] in forestry of poor land [1] allows soil to be stabilised whilst the sapling takes route in otherwise unstable soil [1].
OR coatings for slow release fertiliser/pesticide pellets [1] controlled release of active agent [1] particularly where risk of leaching [1]
run-off is high [1].
OR germination enhancing in maize [1] where soil temperature is raised [1] above the ambient seasonal temperatures [1] thereby speeding up germination rate [1].
OR solarisation [1] where plastic over film [1] builds up heat [1] to temperatures harmful to soil pathogens [1]
Describe how bioderived polyethylene (BPE) is produced
*Ethanol from fermentation of crop biomass converted to ethylene [1].
*Ethylene is then polymerised by addition polymerisation [1
