sustainability Flashcards

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1
Q

define sustainability

A

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.

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2
Q

where is most of our energy derived from

A

fossil fuels like coal oil natural gas

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3
Q

what is one exajoule of energy equivalent to?

A

23.88 million tonnes of oil or
34.12 million tonnes of coal

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

what is biomass or biofuel

A

additional form of alternative energy
which was not previously covered.

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6
Q

what does biofuel production involve

A

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

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7
Q

list some types of biofuel

A

Biogas (methane), ethanol and biodiesel

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8
Q

how is biogas methane made

A

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

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9
Q

why is biogas good for the environment

A

zero emission of
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

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10
Q

define ethanol

A

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

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11
Q

why is ethanol good for the environment

A

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

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12
Q

what is one challenge for ethanol

A

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

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13
Q

what is biodiesel

A

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

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14
Q

how is biodiesel formed

A

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

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15
Q

what is biodiesel used for

A

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

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16
Q

what are the 5 r’s

A

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

17
Q

list 5 benefits of recycling

A

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)

18
Q

list 6 difficulties with recycling

A

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