Resource Management Flashcards
1
Q
What factors affect energy supply?
A
- war / corruption / politics
- environmental conditions
- cost
- technology
- geology
- climate
2
Q
Physical Factors affecting energy supply:
A
- Relief: does the country have mountains suitable for hydropower e.g France
- Is the country in area of tectonic activity so can exploit geothermal energy e.g Iceland
- The geology of the area which determines whether coal, oil or gas has been formed millions of years ago
- Climate: very sunny or very windy climate - suitable for solar? e.g Spain
- Natural Hazards experienced regularly by a country may mean some energy types are too high risk e.g Nuclear power in location of tectonic instability
3
Q
Human Factors Affecting energy supply:
A
- Economic development - whether a country can afford to exploit the resource
- Technology: access to exploit resources in difficult conditions? e.g North Sea and Arctic
- Fear of political instability: oil producing countries look to supply their needs from other sources like nuclear on renewables as countries like Russia are volatile
- Public opinion: anti-nuclear feelings
- Political Agreements favouring renewables and phasing out fossils fuels e.g EU
- Cheapest used first (fossil fuels)
- Innovation e.g fracking
4
Q
World Population fact - peak
A
- peak at 10 billion in 2083
5
Q
What challenges might the world’s population face?
A
- Refugees
- Drought
- Desertification
- Extinction
- Homelessness
- Issues with trade
- Loss of Great Barrier Reef
- Fossil Fuels
- Economic issues like cost of living
- Loss of rainforests
- Eco-wars
- Extreme climates
- Struggle with healthcare
- Famine
6
Q
Key Definition: What is a resource?
A
- A naturally occurring substance which can be used in its own right or made into something else.
- These are the things that we need to live and work.
7
Q
Energy resources -
A
- Resources that are burned to produce heat and electricity
- e.g coal, fossil fuels, gas, oil
8
Q
Mineral Resources -
A
- Materials mined from the ground and then heated to become materials that are used
- e.g bauxite, iron ore, uranium
9
Q
Natural resources -
A
- using nature/natural resources to produce power
- e.g solar, wind, hydro-electric, waves, geo-thermal, biogas
10
Q
Biological resources -
A
- from living plants or animal waste
- e.g trees, biomass
11
Q
What is happening to our use of the world’s resources?
A
- Oil, gas, coal increasing rapidly
- Nuclear decreasing
- Renewable increasing slowly
12
Q
What % of its food does the UK import?
A
40%
13
Q
Why do we import food?
A
- Demand for greater choice and more exotic foods because our tastes have changed and we have more access to foreign foods and tastes
- Demand for seasonal produce all year round because it is an expectation
- Foods produced cheaper abroad because of fewer regulations, cheaper labour and cheaper land
- The UK Climate is inconsistent
- UK Produced food can be expensive because of increased rules and pesticides
14
Q
Positives of importing food UK
A
- Greenhouses require electricity which makes it more expensive
- New Zealand apply less fertiliser. Fertilisers require large amounts of energy and cause high CO2 emissions.
- The only CO2 produced by transporting these foods is the extra produced by the plane due to the food’s weight > flights used to transport food and passengers
- Sometimes, taking locally grown organic food to the market can cause high emissions as less food is taken in a van than the lorries that take food to the supermarkets
15
Q
Negatives importing food UK
A
- British farmers earn less
- Vehicles that transport food emit greenhouse gases e.g CO2
- Food loses its freshness and vitamins
- Cruel for cattle to travel a long way in poor conditions before they are slaughtered.
- Asthma due to air pollution in lorries and planes
- Not a wide choice of fruit / veg because shops buy in food with a long life that can travel long distances without being damaged.
16
Q
Ways UK meets food security challenges
A
- Agribusiness
- Organic Produce
- Locally Sourced
- Growing Your Own
17
Q
Agribusiness:
A
- Intensive farming aimed at maximising the amount of food produced.
- Farms are run as commercial businesses.
- They have high levels of investment and use modern technology and chemicals.
The result:
- More home food produced and less reliance on food imports.
18
Q
The Red Tractor Label
A
- assures consumers that the source of food is British and has been inspected for safety, welfare and environmental impacts
19
Q
Organic Produce:
A
- Grown without the use of chemicals.
- Higher labour costs have made it more expensive.
- Often associated with buying local produce and producing seasonal foods.
20
Q
Locally Sourced:
A
- Save air miles and boost home production.
- Increasing number of farmer markets around the country.
- Restaurants sometimes now label the origins of food and work with food producers.
21
Q
Growing Your Own:
A
- on allotments.
- Nearly 1/3 of British adults grow their own food, and this number is increasing.
22
Q
UK Average Footprint vs World Average
A
- 8.8 Tonnes UK vs 6.3 Tonnes World
23
Q
How many litres of water does an average UK Citizen use per day?
A
- 149L
24
Q
UK Water: Supply and Demand
A
- SUPPLY IN NORTH
- DEMAND IN SOUTH
25
Water Surplus (KEY DEF)
- when there is more water available for use than the demand for it
26
Water Deficit (KEY DEF)
- When the demand for water is more than that which is available
27
Water Stress (KEY DEF)
- when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.
28
Distribution of Water Stress
- More in south
29
Kielder Water - what is it?
- The biggest “man made” lake in Northern Europe.
- Opened in 1981.
- It took two years for the lake behind the dam to fill.
30
Good things about Kielder Water:
- £6 million raised through tourism there every year. Many people use the reservoir for water sports.
- Lake is 11km long and stores nearly 200,000 million litres of water which helps in times of water shortages.
- 260 employees, 150 million standing trees
- Dam holds back rainwater and prevents flooding further down the dam
- Hydro-electric power station generates 6MW of power > enough for 200,000 homes
31
Bad things about Kielder Water plan:
- When the dam is fully completed, the roservoir behind the dam will food an area of scenic natural beauty, home to some very rare insects and birds.
- The project will cost many £millions and will cause much environmental disturbance.
- 2,700 acres of farmland and habitat will be lost as a result of the scheme.
- The scheme includes 8 sites of Spectal Scientific Interest (SSSI), covering 7,800ha and containing unique plants and animals. Kielder is one of the last places for red squirrels in England; this would be affected by the dam.
- 58 families were displaced from their homes by the damn, their houses disappearing beneath the lake that formed.
- The building of the pipeline will cause huge environmental damage, and where the pipeline travels over the surface, people complain that it looks ugly and ruins the views of the countryside.
- Reducing the flow of water from a river changes the landscape. A dam holds back sediment, especially the gravel and pebbles. The depletion of riverbed gravels reduces spawning grounds for fish and invertebrates.
32
Energy Mix (KEY DEF)
- the range of energy sources of a region, either renewable or non-renewable
33
Energy Security
- The ability of a nation to secure sufficient, affordable and consistent energy supplies for its domestic, industrial, transport and military requirements
34
Energy Gap
- the difference between supply and demand
35
Primary Energy Source
- energy gained from natural sources e.g heat from wood
36
Secondary Energy Source
- when primary energy is converted into a more convenient form e.g heat used to power turbines to generate electricity
37
Changes to the UK’s Energy Mix from 1990 to 2014: Coal, Oil, Gas, Nuclear, Wind, Solar and Hydroelectric and Bioenergy
- Coal declined from 48% to 14%
- Oil declined from 46% to 35%
- Natural Gas increased from 4% to 35%
- Nuclear increased from 2% to 7%
- Wind, solar and hydroelectric increased from 0% to 4%
- Bioenergy has increased from 0% to 5%
38
UK Energy Gap:
- We produce 1.4 trillion cumecs less of natural gas than we consume (1.2 vs 2.6 trillion).
- This energy gap greatly reduces the energy security of the UK - potentially leading to blackouts.
39
Global Energy Demand:
- NA, Europe (HICs) use the most. E.g Iceland > 10,000 kg oil per person
- Africa, South Asia (LICs) use the least. E.g Madagascar > 0-499 kg oil per person
40
How much of the world’s energy is generated from fossil fuels?
- 87%
41
Global Energy Supply:
- NA, Europe (HICs) most again. E.g USA produces 2500-25,000 kg oil per person
- Africa, South Asia (LICs) least again. E.g DRC produces < 100kg oil per person.
42
Global Energy Supply vs Global Energy Demand
- The countries who consume the most energy also produce the most.
- The countries who consume the least energy also produce the least.
43
Factors Affecting Energy Consumption:
- Development
- Population
- Technology
44
Economic Development affecting energy consumption:
- NEEs will account for >90% of growth in demand for energy to 2035.
- Countries include India, China industrialising and getting wealthier.
45
Rising Population affecting energy consumption:
- From 7.5 billion to 9 billion by 2050.
- 1.5 billion extra use more energy in an energy thirsty world.
46
Technology affecting energy consumption:
- Computers etc demand energy.
- Demand for vehicles, lights, heat increase as wealth and prosperity increase.
47
SOCIAL EFFECTS of energy insecurity:
- With energy insecurity, consumers will face increasing costs of energy as there is not enough to go around.
- Energy insecurity could result in energy supply becoming unreliable, leading to power cuts and rationing.
- Flooding valleys to generate more hydroelectric power, forcing locals in the area to move away and lose their land and jobs.
- A rise in the price of energy will increase the cost of living - running the home, food, manufactured goods and travel will become more expensive.
- Energy saving methods may be “forced” upon people.
48
ECONOMIC EFFECTS of energy insecurity:
- Increased competition from foreign food suppliers in energy secure countries
- Farming affected as there may not be enough energy to power all the machinery needed to farm crops and animals.
- Food production will become more expensive if the cost of farming increases.
- Jobs may be put at risk as sales of goods and services fall.
- Energy shortages can lead to the closure of businesses.
- Importing resources from other countries can increase the cost of energy use.
- Countries may be forced to innovate to find new renewable energy sources
- Importing resources can increase transport costs.
49
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS of energy insecurity:
- Building solar and wind farms in AONBs.
- Drilling for oil and gas in environmentally sensitive areas like Alaska, leading to damage to vegetation and wildlife.
- Clearing forests for wood.
- Land that has been used previously for production may be used instead to grow maize and sugar for biofuel.
- Energy resources in certain areas may become exploited and over-extracted.
- Flooding valleys to generate more water power (hydroelectric)
50
DIFFICULTIES of drilling in difficult and sensitive areas like the Arctic
- Oil Spills > recovery would be slow + complicated
- Harsh conditions mean workers demand higher wages to work in the Arctic.
- Drilling equipment may sink during permafrost thaw.
- Political issues > the sea bed North of the Arctic Circle is claimed by 8 nations
51
ARGUMENTS FOR drilling oil in the Arctic:
- Large new reserves
- Close to important markets like Europe, USA
- Costs reduced because of Arctic ice melting (climate change)
52
ARGUMENTS AGAINST drilling oil in the Arctic:
- Exploring for new oil and gas costs billions
- Any pollution in the Arctic would cost a lot to clean up
- Arctic conditions are challenging (cold, icy, deep water)
- If oil and gas prices fall, developing the Arctic becomes unprofitable
53
How does Solar Power work?
- Can be used on people’s homes to directly heat up water for washing and heating the house.
- The panels are black to absorb more heat.
54
Advantages of using solar power (6)
- Solar panels don’t produce greenhouse gases (1) as they are renewable (1).
- Easy to maintain (1)
- 90% cheaper than in the 1970s (1)
- Good in the army (1) and remote areas like African deserts (1)
55
Disadvantages of using solar power (6)
- Silicon is mixed to create the materials (1) which is expensive (1) and causes environmental damage (1)
- Not very efficient (1) because a power station the size of a city is needed to power a city (1)
- Doesn’t work well when dark or cloudy (in the absence of sunlight) (1)
56
How does wind power work? (5)
- 2/3 blades on top of a tall pole (1) are turned to face the wind (1).
- 25km/h average speed (1).
- Turbine connected to a generator (1) to turn energy into electricity (1).
57
Advantages of wind power (4)
- Clean (1) and produces no greenhouse gases (1)
- Wind produce twice as much electricity in the winter as they do in summer (1)
- Wind speed is high over water (1)
58
Disadvantages of wind power (5)
- Ugly (1)
- Shadow flicker (1) can distract drivers and cause accidents (1)
- Costly to maintain (1)
- Not particularly efficient (1)
59
How does hydro-electric power work? (4)
- A dam is made when you block a river (1) so that the water forms a lake behind it (1).
- The water is released through pipes and turbines (1) which turn and create energy which can be converted into electricity (1).
60
Advantages of Hydro-electric power (6)
- Free energy once built (1)
- No waste/pollution (1)
- More reliable than other solutions (1)
- Water can be stored above the dam ready to cope with peaks in demand (1)
- Can increase to full power very quickly (1)
- Constantly generates electricity (1)
61
Disadvantages of Hydro-electric power (6)
- Very expensive to build (1)
- Floods a large area upstream (1) which causes problems for animals who used to live there (1)
- Finding a suitable site may be difficult (1)
- Water quality and quantity downstream affected (1), which has an impact on plant life (1)
62
What is wave power? (5)
- The waves arriving cause the water in the chamber to rise and fall at a wave power station (1)
- This means air is forced in/out of the hole at the top of the chamber (1)
- A turbine is placed in the hole (1), which is turned by air rushing in and out (1)
- The turbine turns a generator (1)
63
Advantages of wave power (4)
- Free energy (1) as no waste/fuel is needed or produced (1)
- Not expensive to operate or maintain (1)
- Produces lots of energy (1)
64
Disadvantages of wave power (4)
- Needs a suitable site (1) where waves are consistently strong (1) and present (1)
- Air can be noisy (1)
65
How many barrels of oil are consumed per day and year globally?
- 98 million per day
- = 34 billion a year
66
What is happening to the world’s production of oil? TOTAL, RICH, POOR
TOTAL:
- Rose from 48 million barrels a day in 1970 to 120 million a day by 2020.
RICH:
- Rose from 36 million barrels a day in 1970 to 58 million a day by 2020.
POOR:
- Rose from 5 million barrels a day in 1970 to 58 million a day by 2020 (same as rich)
67
What is the Gannet Oil Field?
- Discovered in 1973
- By 1993, production of this oil field had started
- Ran by Shell
68
PROS of Gannet Oil Field
- UK produces 60% of its natural gas > improves energy security
- Oil production is 67% of our needs > no need to negotiate higher prices with foreign countries
- UK Government benefits directly through tax revenues
- Exploiting oil offshore creates jobs in places such as Aberdeen with things such as oil refineries
69
CONS of Gannet Oil Field
- Lots of investment is needed to develop technology to drill in the North Sea. This is risky as the returns on this investment are reducing as oil and gas are non-renewable.
- Oil leak 113 miles from Aberdeen in 2011 - > 200 tonnes. Shell fined £22,500
- Oil prices fell 2014 > from 450,000 to 300,000 people employed
- Piper Alpha killed 167 workers and £1.7 billion losses
70
What is sustainable energy?
- An energy system that serves the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
71
Three factors influencing energy sustainability:
- Energy Saving
- Energy Technologies
- Energy Efficiency
72
What is energy efficiency?
- Using less energy to provide the same service
73
Which 3 measures save the most energy annually?
- Aim for 78 F on thermostat > saves 40% on cooling costs
- Switching to premium LED bulbs > uses 82% less energy than an incandescent
- Plug electronics into a UL-Certified power strip, then turn it off before bed > saves up to $100 a year
74
What is a carbon footprint?
- An estimate of the impact that activities have on climate change such as making a product, living a lifestyle or running a company.
75
Average Carbon Footprint World vs UK and why
- World is 4,000 kg of carbon dioxide per year
- UK is 10,000 kg of carbon dioxide per year
- Because we waste more and use transport more and buy more products
76
How to reduce home energy usage?
- Shower for less time to use less water
- Turn off TVs and plugs
- Flush toilet less
- Turn off lights when not in use
77
How much of global energy is used in transportation?
25%
78
How to reduce global energy in transportation:
- More efficient vehicles
- Better public transport provision
- Fewer necessary journeys
79
How can vehicles allow for more sustainable energy use in transport?
- Thinner tires
- Tiny cameras instead of bulky plastic morris
- Extra thin carbon fibre paint coating
- Manual steering as power steering weighs more
- Small air conditioner is mounted near the dashboard in a special casting to save space
80
FIVE Technological Advances in Malmo, Sweden
- Each home has a smart meter to track energy consumption
- Malmo was developed from an Industrial Wasteland
- Solar tubes on the outside of buildings produce hot water which is stored 90m below ground and heat buildings in the winter
- Energy comes from photovoltaic panels on the roofs of houses/workplaces
- Houses are designed to be well insulated and ventilated (warm in winter, cool in summer)
81
FIVE Energy Saving Strategies in Malmo
- Malmo is the first carbon neutral neighbourhood in Europe
- Cycle paths are extensive
- Footpaths have been built
- Waste Incinerator plant has the most advanced cleaning system to reduce carbon emissions
- A car pool of electric cars discourages residents from owning cars themselves and therefore cuts down their usage
82
FIVE Energy Efficiency Strategies in Malmo
- Food waste is used to create a biogas. 10kg of food waste creates biogas the equivalent of 1 litre of petrol.
- Renewable energy provides all the energy for residents
- Buses use biogas as a fuel which has been produced from waste food
- 2MW wind turbine to provide energy to homes and workplaces
- Heating provided by hot water piped into residents homes’ which has been heated by renewable energy sources
