sustainability

Question 1

define sustainability

Answer 1

the use of resources in such as way that there
will be resources left for future generations
the ability to exist and develop without depleting natural resources for the future.

Question 2

where is most of our energy derived from

Answer 2

fossil fuels like coal oil natural gas

Question 3

what is one exajoule of energy equivalent to?

Answer 3

23.88 million tonnes of oil or
34.12 million tonnes of coal

Question 4

why in 2022, did renewable energy supply from solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and ocean rose by close to 8%

Answer 4

higher fossil fuel prices, energy security
concerns and growing concern for the environment

Question 5

what is biomass or biofuel

Answer 5

additional form of alternative energy
which was not previously covered.

Question 6

what does biofuel production involve

Answer 6

involves making use of ‘waste’ biomass to
provide energy. In the form of solid, liquid or gaseous fuels

Question 7

list some types of biofuel

Answer 7

Biogas (methane), ethanol and biodiesel

Question 8

how is biogas methane made

Answer 8

Cattle dung digested by anaerobic bacteria in underground vessels
(biodigester), producing a roughly 60:40 mix of methane and carbon
dioxide.
The CO2 is removed, leaving the methane gas which is a clean and
efficient fuel that can be used for both heat and power

Question 9

why is biogas good for the environment

Answer 9

zero emission of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

Question 10

define ethanol

Answer 10

Fermentation of carbohydrate rich crops, such as sugar cane, is used
to produce ethanol

Question 11

why is ethanol good for the environment

Answer 11

can be used as a petroleum substitute in cars, reducing pollution

Question 12

what is one challenge for ethanol

Answer 12

the need to pre-treat the cellulose found in the biomass before it can be fermented

Question 13

what is biodiesel

Answer 13

renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured from vegetable
oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease.
biomass-based diesel
manufactured from oil from canola seed or rapeseed

Question 14

how is biodiesel formed

Answer 14

300kg of oil can be extracted from 1 tonne of rapeseed and then converted into
rape methyl ester (RME).

Question 15

what is biodiesel used for

Answer 15

fuel filters, heating oils, oil spill cleanups
and biodiesel electricity generators
used in conventional diesel engines, substituting for traditional petroleum diesel, reducing pollution

Question 16

what are the 5 r’s

Answer 16

Reduce – lessen consumption & cut down on waste
Reuse – use materials more that once & use waste materials for
something different that its intended use (repurpose)
Recycle*
Restore – return environment to its original condition
Refuse – do not buy non-ecofriendly products, do not participate in
non-ecofriendly activities

Question 17

list 5 benefits of recycling

Answer 17

Resources will not be used up as quickly
Less land needed for disposal of waste
Less pollution of soil & water as waste decomposes
Less pollution harming animals
Less energy used to recycle than to make a new product (in most
cases)

Question 18

list 6 difficulties with recycling

Answer 18

Collection of recyclables is tedious
Waste must be sorted
Recycle bins/containers must be placed in strategic locations for
accessibility to all
Lack of education about need for recycling and how to sort trash
Transportation costs
A lot of storage space needed to house recyclables and for the new
products